There are few animal pests that cause me to curse out loud. Mice? Nope. Rabbits? Nope. Deer? I may think about it, but nope. It’s Procyon lotor. And for those of you who are not up on your Latin, it is the common raccoon. Some of you may know it as a ringtail or simply […]
All Creatures
Urban Chickens:Death and Disposal
As urban chickens keepers, there is a universal issue that we will all face at one time or another. A dead chicken. This raises the question, “What do we do?” While there are several options, it is generally best to have a plan in place before this event happens. Keep in mind that city and […]
Brahma Chickens: Gentle Giants
When it comes to backyard chickens, there are generally several breeds that readily come to mind for egg production: Leghorns, Orpingtons, Rhode Island Reds, Plymouth Rocks, and Australorps. Oh sure, there are many more varieties, but these few tend to make the list for their egg-laying prowess. But have you ever considered trying out a […]
5 Things You Shouldn't Admit After Buying Chickens
Raising chickens is a growing trend across the country. They are popping up in barnyards, backyards, and urban homesteads. From retirees to hipsters, people are jumping on the chicken bandwagon. We tell ourselves that we want to know where our food comes from, bringing us closer to the source. Or perhaps we want to explore […]
Getting Started with Package Bees
Spring is an exciting time for beekeepers. If you have existing hives the workers are busy gathering nectar and pollen while the queen is laying eggs. But if you just starting out or lost your previous colony of honey bees, it is the time that package bees arrive! Before you order package bees, do your […]
The Best Way to Reduce Yellow Jacket Robbing
Ah, glorious spring. What a hopeful time of year for beekeepers. Winter is releasing her hold, giving us moisture in the form of rain rather than snow. Temperatures are warming and early season plants are just starting to bloom. Insects are emerging, namely bees foraging for nectar and pollen, but there is another, less friendly […]