Ups and Downs

Well as expected the poor little calf (named Maybe) didn't make it. We were not surprised. We also realized that he waited to die until after we left him for the night. He had been expired for a very long time. The other calf is strong and flitting about enjoying his nice, clean, large stall.

I will go and get a couple more calves this week since we are making plenty of milk. In the next few months I would rather use it than toss the milk to the compost pile. Sure it makes for great compost but the waste of it annoys me. With the constant monetary set backs the milk room (and license) and the slaughter room are moved down the schedule of jobs to be done. Frustrating to say the least, but such as it is, move on, suck it up, quit my whining you big baby...........

OK, into the hives I went today with the family looking on and helping (?)........
One hive is very strong and had created their very own comb on the bottom of the inner lid, filled it with the sugar nectar and was trying to make honey. What not enough foundation for you ? The other hive is very weak. No I don't know why but now I know why so many people recommended two hives to start with. Compare and figure it out. So I will guard one and leave the other more alone. Your supposed to tap on the side of the hive to make sure they are in there. The strong hive can be heard from feet away, the other you need a stethoscope.
Both queens were freed and nectar levels were noticeably lower and refilled. The kids were so excited with the comb piece the bees had made. Dave took a big bite from it and actually said it was delicious. I asked him if he had checked to make sure all the bees were off yet, he had grabbed it so fast.

So off to the rest of my day of fences, animal care, autopsy and anything that rears it's ugly head.