Michigan

[RaZ]

RAZ-

terrarium info needed. Give me some basic pointers if I was making a terrarium, best plants, soil, etc. Its a project. My office at work is soooo dull- not much light, in fact, NO natural light. Am I doomed to not have any plants? My bamboo did fabulous for a very long time, then it just decided to turn brown and die off.

Someone just posted this on FB, is it true?

Bees and other insects can see ultraviolet light that humans can't see. While we're drawn to the beautiful colors of flowers in the visible spectrum, they are drawn to a different sight, the ultraviolet glowing nectar within the flowers.

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How big of a terrarium are you going to make? You want something deep enough for the roots to grow. I'd go at least an inch deeper than the pot the plant comes in. You could grow just about anything under the artificial light of your office. Try some rosemary or lavender for the nice aroma. Try aloe, pothos, philodendron, snake plant or anything that catches your eye.

It's true that bees see colours we don't. Flowers also may have markers that lead to the pollen to help guide in the pollinators.

Raz - The beekeeping class was fun! It was 6 hours and you felt like you were drinking from a firehose but worth it. Plus it's nice having someone there to answer all of your questions and concerns. There is a second part to the class that I can't WAIT for which is that we get to observe him, up close and personal, with one of his hives at a local orchard. Funny, it never dawned on me that I could house my bee's on someone's farm or orchard. I am still not certain that my neighbors would approve of me having a hive (and there really isn't a way that I can mask it). They are still getting used to the chicken....and the rooster. If you have any ideas, let me know.

How many hives to you have, and are they all located on your property? Curious.

I had 2 hives but I lost the colonies so I have to rebuild this spring. I'll set 2 hives in the back yard. The bees won't bother anybody unless they are messed with first, so keep you hive away from the fence. I had mine at the ends of my raspberry patch.

The guy I worked bees with had hives set all over the state. We would spend all day setting supers, removing supers, loading and unloading hives. It could get pretty tedious and back breaking but I liked it. When you start getting tired you just dip your finger in the comb and take a taste. Better than those energy drinks.

 

[babigyrl22]

I had 2 hives but I lost the colonies so I have to rebuild this spring. I'll set 2 hives in the back yard. The bees won't bother anybody unless they are messed with first, so keep you hive away from the fence. I had mine at the ends of my raspberry patch.

The guy I worked bees with had hives set all over the state. We would spend all day setting supers, removing supers, loading and unloading hives. It could get pretty tedious and back breaking but I liked it. When you start getting tired you just dip your finger in the comb and take a taste. Better than those energy drinks.

Yummy! I probably won't get a hive just yet. Quite a bit of up front cost and I'd have to find a way to mask the hive from a particular neighbor whose already expressed that she didn't think it was cool. She wouldn't even know it was there honestly....until I came out in a bee suit LOL

we will see. I may wait until I am blessed with my hobby farm.

 

[Olive Hill]

I keep trying to get hubby to tend bees. I want the hives. I do not want to have to do the tending. So far he's still resisting. *hmphf*

 

[babigyrl22]

babigyrl22 Do you have to buy a culture? A friend and i looked into it, but we couldn't find "rennet"

Not to make Ricotta!

Here is a video on how to make it (William Sonoma):

Here is the recipe: http://www.williams-sonoma.com/recipe/homemade-ricotta-cheese.html?cm_src=RECIPESEARCH

There is a place on the outskirts of Grand Rapids that sells cheese making supplies and cultures. If you have a wine/beer supply place near you, chances are they have the cultures and starters to make cheese as well. You can also order them online.

I found a cheese press DIY plan online for my DH to build me for under $20. The one at the store was $132 :/
My first pressed cheese I will attempt is Farmhouse Cheddar. Once I have all the supplies (which I am gathering slowly), I'll let you know how it turns out.

 

[Opa]

Well I guess I will try this post again. Just before I was finished the first time it some how went off into cyber space.

Unless I have a change of heart between now and tomorrow it is going to be the final day on earth for my "found" rooster. He showed up on the deck of one of my egg customers and they brought him to me. He has grown into a beautifully colored bird that resembles a salmon faverolle.

I had placed two Welsummer pullets in the large fowl coop and he immediately went after them. One he struck in the head with such force that afterward she seemed dazed and lay listless on her side. I took her out and placed her back in a separate cage and she seems to be improving.

When I went into the run to check on the other pullet, I found a silver ameraucana sitting lethargically and being pecked by the others. She has an extreme case of rooster wear resulting in a rather large hole in her back. I have taken her out and placed her in a separate cage as well.

I was hoping to breed him to the rainbow flock just to see what colors would result however with the hens not laying worth a darn I have no fertile eggs and don't know that I want to risk anymore damage to the flock.

 

[chicken grandma]

Jaime,
Where is the place near Grand Rapids that sells cheese making supplies? Also, where do you buy your dairy products? Thanks for sharing this with us. Your photos and links were much appreciated.

Bobbry - Thank you for the mealworm information. I think that is a great idea! Sure would save a lot of money.
I love this thread! I learn something new every day!

Taprock - those are darling chicks and I love the way the curled up together. How sweet!

Opa - sorry to hear about your hens being injured.
Nova - sorry to hear about your chick.

Welcome Jen!

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

Well I guess I will try this post again. Just before I was finished the first time it some how went off into cyber space.

Unless I have a change of heart between now and tomorrow it is going to be the final day on earth for my "found" rooster. He showed up on the deck of one of my egg customers and they brought him to me. He has grown into a beautifully colored bird that resembles a salmon faverolle.

I had placed two Welsummer pullets in the large fowl coop and he immediately went after them. One he struck in the head with such force that afterward she seemed dazed and lay listless on her side. I took her out and placed her back in a separate cage and she seems to be improving.

When I went into the run to check on the other pullet, I found a silver ameraucana sitting lethargically and being pecked by the others. She has an extreme case of rooster wear resulting in a rather large hole in her back. I have taken her out and placed her in a separate cage as well.

I was hoping to breed him to the rainbow flock just to see what colors would result however with the hens not laying worth a darn I have no fertile eggs and don't know that I want to risk anymore damage to the flock.

Opa, so sorry to hear that the found rooster is being so rough to your girls.

 

[Hillbilly Hen]

I keep trying to get hubby to tend bees. I want the hives. I do not want to have to do the tending. So far he's still resisting. *hmphf*

Right now I have DH tending the chickens for me. He is doing a wonderful job but I think he is ready for me to take over.

 

[M.sue]

I keep trying to get hubby to tend bees. I want the hives. I do not want to have to do the tending. So far he's still resisting. *hmphf*

My aunt & uncle have two bee boxes on their property. They belong to a local bee keeper. The honey is out of this world.

 

[sj3364]

Went 4 for 4 today. This is only the second time that has happened.

My neighbor has cleared my drive for me a few times this year. He said I could repay him in pie. Lemon meringue is his preferred variety. When I mentioned to my dad that I was going to make the neighbor a pie, he said, "I love lemon meringue.' So I made two. Those are now two happy men.