Beekeeping – Winterizing Hives

It’s been getting cooler in the evenings (down into the mid 40’s F), so I decided to make the cut over to solid bottom boards, reduce entrances, and leave vent covers in place for a bit more. Came back later that evening and put insulation on in the dark (after I finished a 4-H obligation).

Hint: At about 1:12 in the video you can see my reaction to one of the little ladies making a quick ascent up my leg inside my pants (sorry I went off camera though). I didn’t get stung, but the neighbors got a show!

 

Insulated Hives (2) Insulated Hives (1)

Rabbitry – Hutch

We’ve decided to try our hand at raising rabbits from the “livestock” perspective (even though they are technically not considered livestock). I realize many may find this disturbing; however, we must be practical – there are several benefits that could be argued, but that’s for another time…  For tonight, we look at the hutch.

I found a supply of 9 free 9′ pallets that fit the bill for this build. We tore them down and built a 9 space hutch:

Details:

Just over 8′ 6″ wide and about 7′ tall and cages are 30″ deep made from pallet wood and mesh, cement boards, cement blocks, tin roofing (to be installed shortly) – very heavy.

Top Row can house 1 buck and 4 does

Bottom Row has 4 larger sections for weaned offspring litters.

Between rows has Durock (tile backer board) on an angle covered with plastic for drainage

Bottom row has “pit” style collection (to be shoveled into upcoming flow through vermicomposter – stay tuned)

We are working on automatic watering valves etc. (more to come)

Hutch (1) Hutch (2)

Hutch (3) Hutch (4)

Hutch (5) Hutch (6)

Hutch (7) Hutch (8)

Hutch (9) Hutch (10)

Hutch (11) Hutch (12)

Hutch (13)

First Occupant

photo (Large)

Beekeeping – Winterizing Observation Hive

I’ve really been troubled as to what to do for the colony in the observation hive. After a great deal of debate, I decided to put the queen and brood back down into the Nuc, move them into the shed and insulate them for winter… hope it works. Here are some of the details:

 

That evening, I moved them into the shed, insulated them and created a plastic entrance/exit out of the shed (pictures from the following day).

Observation in the  Shed (1)

Observation in the  Shed (3)

Observation in the  Shed (4)

Observation in the  Shed (5)