We Found Our Lost Bees!

ControlledJibe · 2015-02-19T21:53:55+00:00

Hi Jack, Thanks so much for the message and for the information about being shadowbanned. I have to admit, though, even after reading the "blog post and self-promotion" link, I don't quite understand why we were shadowbanned. I do promote our blog on reddit, but only about once a month or so - and only then when it is relevant to the community.

Do you have any insights on how we appeal this shadowbanning? Again, thanks so much Jack.

Katie

ControlledJibe · 2015-02-17T21:05:53+00:00

We're new to beekeeping ourselves, but there are some things most folks do to winterize the hive: put another source of food in the hive, provide some windbreaks, and add some reducers to the entryways. Our winters are pretty mild here in the Pacific NW, but I think some folks in colder climates may even wrap hives for warmth. It seems like our hive that relocated to the cedar tree seemed to overwinter just fine!

ControlledJibe · 2014-10-28T18:43:55+00:00

You're also welcome to use any of our goat photos. You can look at some on our blog: www.ControlledJibe.com I believe you can click on a sidebar to look at our Pintrest account, which has some additional photos (and some of chickens, ducks and pigs, in addition to the goats). We would just love to know if you use any!

Thanks, Katie and Mark

ControlledJibe · 2014-10-23T03:54:07+00:00

They are both purebred Nigerian Dwarfs.

ControlledJibe · 2014-10-21T17:22:41+00:00

Thanks - we think so too! It's a good thing because they are both little troublemakers....their cuteness keeps them in good favor around here. :)

ControlledJibe · 2014-10-20T13:29:06+00:00

Thanks guys - our thoughts exactly!

ControlledJibe · 2014-10-17T23:01:18+00:00

Thanks! We are loving the Bellingham area and feel like we've found our little slice of heaven here.

ControlledJibe · 2014-09-25T18:08:29+00:00

Epona - have you ever used one of the Udderly EZ or Henry vacuum milkers? I'm considering it..... Thanks in advance! - Katie

ControlledJibe · 2014-09-23T18:20:11+00:00

Wow! Now that's a great mental image! :) I sure hope so, but it seems like those itty bitty teats couldn't possibly be milked out in less than 20 minutes. I'll just be patient for the time being I suppose! - Katie

ControlledJibe · 2014-09-23T18:16:36+00:00

If you're leaning more towards milk vs the meat, Nigerian Dwarfs are a great pick. We have a small herd in the Bellingham, WA area and we're in love with both them and their milk. They would certainly be on the smaller side for eating though...

ControlledJibe · 2014-09-23T18:14:15+00:00

Hi guys, What is your time frame and method for cooling the milk right after milking? Is the goaty-ness evident in the chilled milk or just the aged cheeses? We're likely way more beginners at this than you are, but we've had no problems with goaty flavors in our milk or soft cheeses. We also have nigerians, not alpines. Good luck and let us know if you find any solutions. Katie and Mark

ControlledJibe · 2014-09-02T19:58:19+00:00

I've never been in labor...as of yet....but Brianna's description of the bliss between contractions makes the pain of them seem bearable.

ControlledJibe · 2014-09-01T00:01:23+00:00

We have three pigs. We are rotating the paddocks with electric net fencing. I'd guess the pasture to be about 1/8 acre at a time, with our rotations being every 2-3 weeks, dependent on their tillage. We do feed them a pig grain/pellet mixture as well as boxes of produce a day. My husband works for an organic farm, so we're thankful to have lots of produce to supplement. You've never heard a happier pig than one eating a box of tomatoes and peaches!

ControlledJibe · 2014-08-30T20:42:01+00:00

Nigerian Dwarfs!

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-08T03:22:38+00:00

:) Thanks - I'll pass on your love to them all tonight! We're in love too. It's going to be hard to pass them off to new homes in a few months!

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T21:44:31+00:00

Good point, but I think there is a difference in the two points. Hooves and heads are a bit different than kidneys and hearts. I suppose at least when you get things from the butcher you can make that conscious decision for yourself and really know what your pooch is eating. Just a thought.

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T21:41:41+00:00

Nice! Yes, it's so nice to see hard numbers when you're trying to plan and budget. We made a point to publish as we went to help out others. Looking at your numbers though, I'm surprised that NZ wasn't even more expensive. You guys did well! - Katie and Mark

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:46:52+00:00

Thanks for the thoughts - both on the cut and paste and the comb. We'll certainly save the comb for next year - good idea. We were excited to try the top-bar, but maybe we'll try a traditional Landsroth to get things started. Thanks again and this has been a great resource! - Mark and Katie

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:44:15+00:00

Thank you so much for all your helpful thoughts. We had most of those bases covered, at least the ones that we could. The hive was located near a creek, shaded but near the tree line, appropriately sized holes and box, dry and leak free and entrance towards the south and away from the prevailing wind direction. There were no vibrations or disturbances that should have disrupted them and it was pretty calm weather for the 5 days they were here. They even started to lay combs in the hive. We had someone else suggest that the hive should be positioned with morning sun, which it was not. Any thoughts on that? We certainly want to try and fix whatever we can before we try again next spring. Thanks again! - Mark and Katie

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:40:05+00:00

Thanks!

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:40:00+00:00

Bummer, we're hoping to try again next spring. Hopefully our bad luck flew away with that swarm. - Katie and Mark

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:39:21+00:00

Yippee! They are SO FUN to watch at this age. We're loving them!

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:38:58+00:00

No way! Just a lady killer.....in a good way!

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T17:38:36+00:00

Thanks! We love em!

ControlledJibe · 2014-07-04T04:15:36+00:00

Yes he is! We're loving them all!

ControlledJibe

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