So where exactly does one begin when the decision - at least in my mind - has been made to acquire both chickens and honey bees for one’s backyard.

As of today, I know that I will have access to chicks this spring, and that the cost of those chicks will be pretty very doable.  I found someone that has agreed to set some eggs for me when the weather is nice enough to raise day old chicks.  That is really good news.  Looks like the next step for getting ready for the chickens will be where to put them once they show up.  I need to choose a coop design that will be sturdy enough for them to live in andbe safe, but light enough that we can move it around the yard.  I guess we’ll see how that goes.  This summer structure won’t really cut it during the winter.  That brings me to the next point - what do I build for the birds to overwinter?

So then there are the bees.  Where do I start with them?  I have a contact name to call, but haven’t gotten there yet.  I need to find out if there are any regulations within the city, county, or state that I need to pay attention to in order to get started.  Fortunately, i think that this endeavor will not be a solo effort - my Mother-In-Law and my dad have agreed to supply support on several levels - not the least of which will be money, space, and expertise.

Oh, so many things to get done.  All this talk of spring makes me think of not only the chickens and bees, but what to do with the gardens - when to start the seedlings so that they will be big enough to go full steam ahead when the ground is warm enough, but no so big that they outgrow the seedling pots (yogurt containers).

Ok - I guess I will stop now and think warm thoughts and try to get all of this snow to go away.