Glory Downs Farm

Glory Downs Farm

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Spring Ahead and So and and So Forth.

Lots got done this past weekend- which was beautiful!

It seemed so appropriate of nature to have a gorgeous spring weather on the weekend we turn clocks ahead.  All of nature seemed to appreciate it too- the nesting grackles came back to our bamboo patch (Emmie you remember them?)  the song birds were out in full force,  and the skunk cabbage of a nearby brook bursted out of the ground (cmon honeybees!!! They love skunk cabbage!)

So while nature was rejoicing in the birth of the season to be- we got to work.

Work looks a little different to me, so I have to give the physical credit to my husband.  He has the vision to see how these "pond boxes," should be, and the gumption to get it all done.  I have the gumption to cheer him on, and get outside, and try to help in some way, during our daughters naptime:)

This weekend:

Chicken coop got blasted out and cleaned.

Pond built out

Old pond removed and drained (big undertaking)

Pad built for coming farmstand- Yup that's right our farm stand is in order and being built by the best builders- the Amish!  Should be here around beginning of April.

Ducks got moved to a bigger pen

Beehives moved to new location (sans bees since none of the hives made it)  Hoping new location closer to chicken yard will help cut down on beetles and other hive intruders.

Hives painted with fresh paint (decided to keep them traditional white)

Felt good to really start to see this dream all come together.  And these next coming weeks as we approach our goal date of opening is going to be full of work and preparation.  What good work it is.  Aint nothing like getting your hands dirty with Gods good earth and be tired and sore (not from sitting on your butt all day) but because you used your muscles when you played with the little world in your backyard.


This week is focused on the bees.  I got to level off the pallets that the hives will be sitting on (trying pallets and cinder blocks as opposed to just having the hives on cinder blocks)  Today I will be ordering the bees at the shop down the street.  Gonna try my hand at managing the Italians instead of Carniolans this year.  And after getting some simple materials - build a swarm catcher.  Hey its worth a shot and swarm season is getting closer.  But I'll blog about that on a later entry.


Side sad note:   we lost one of our pullets yesterday.  I came home in time to hear the roos screaming.  As I ran out into the yard a hawk had dove thru the fishing line that blocks the top of the hen yard. She then walked into the fort knox part of the yard, grabbed a pullet dragged it out, and broke its neck.  The hawk was so ballsy at her killing that she sat there until I chased her off the hen with a pitchfork.  Yes I always know where "protection," is in my yard.  Hildago tried his best at saving his lady because his feathers were scattered around as well.  We have had this same hawk (which happens to be mutantly huge) harassing our hens for over a month now.  She seems to attack when I leave the house.  Very upset about it.  She was a sweet and good pullet, and one that was hand raised.


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