Snorkel Training for All

Any one for scuba?

I'm delighted to see that the American Central Government is functioning again. I'm sure it makes huge difference to chickens in the states. Our chickens are unmoved by such changes in global politics. They are wondering whether there might be a manufacturer of snorkeling equipment for hens. It has continued to rain torrentially and as a consequence the tarpaulin that is doing temporary duty as a roof while construction continued on the permanent weather proof structure is beginning to leak. It was intended as short term shower proofing but the incessant heavy rain has prevented the use of power tools and the completion of the final essential modification.

A varroa check of the bees showed 3 mites dropped on the board in 48 hours which is pretty good. We and the previous bee keeper have only used organic treatment because it's gentler on the bees. Some research on my part shows that adding thyme to the sugar syrup helps the bees resist infection too. Because the hive is very densely packed with provisions and bees it's essential we to do the best we can to maintain good health. Healthy bees, good store levels and a strong colony all make it more likely that the colony will make it through what experts are forecasting will be a very hard winter. Still the bees fly in with their baskets full of pollen and still the forage. The hive is heavy with plenty of food to keep them going but no flower will be missed in their eternal search. However the rain takes it's toll. At this time of the year many are running out of steam and the heavy rain drops are simply knocking them out of the air, their wings become waterlogged and they never make it back to the hive.

Today there have been a few dry spells and the chickens engaged in some interesting foraging. I think they got more than they bargained for when they attacked my husband's chili plants. One of the poor dears was running in circles. I have noticed though, that both the onion plants and the sage have been untouched. Something in the race memory?

The kitten has finally found the straw that broke the camels back. She is intensely interested in my hair and took a flying leap of the back of the sofa landing with all four sets of claws on my head. I am searching the internet not for a snorkel but for a full head covering diving suit. I feel it might do double duty keeping me safe from the kitten and warm while tackling chicken duties in the Garden.

Come to think of it maybe a neoprene bee keeping suit or just putting on the bee suit and gloves when playing with the kitten. And NOW I find myself wondering whether you can get a neoprene zip up skin for the hive? If it's going to be a very cold wet winter that might well help! Goodness. The possibilities.

Thoughtfully yours

Katherine