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FARMING & COUNTRY LIFE / Re: Squirrel Hunting With Champion Dogs

« Last post by animal on Today at 10:15:15 pm »

seems like a lot of trouble for some tree rats. or some coon hunters jonesing for a fix.
I've killed a lot of stuff in front of dogs but only once with squirrel for some reason or another, and I was like 7 years old then. It's kinda cool but noisy. A quieted down rifle with.22 shorts is more my speed ... One great thing would be that there's nearly no chance of picking one up that was still alive .. still have a scar on my left hand where a squirrel's teeth met from that.

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by The15thMember on Today at 11:06:28 am »

That picture of Marley winning the smoker contest is one of my favorite pictures from Beefest. 

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by BeeMaster2 on Today at 09:19:55 am »

Here are pictures of Marley from BeeFest 2020.
The second picture is from when she won the smoker contest and the last one she was learning how to graft bees.
She now has her own bee hives that she takes care of.
Maybe Bill will chip in with more details.

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by BeeMaster2 on Today at 08:56:08 am »

Bill Murray has a granddaughter who started working with his bees at either 4 or 5. At BeeFest 2020 when she was 5 she was experienced enough to teach what she knew to our guests. She also won the smoker contest.
It all depends on the child. Some are ready some will never be ready.
Jim Altmiller

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by Terri Yaki on Today at 07:20:42 am »

I'm no expert on kids or bees but I'm thinking that having them stand back and watch a time or two would be a good start before getting them face into it. Fully protected, of course.

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by Ben Framed on December 09, 2024, 11:00:52 pm »

What ever the age, or whatever the disposition of the youngster, do all possible the first few outings to see that these experiences are stingless. Purchase a complete 3 layer suit with an attached  zipper hood. Make sure hands are secure as well as the sleeve area.  Leave no place for the bees to get in. Same with the ankle area. Make sure no openings are left to chance. Look up the killer bee guy in Arizona and see how he and his team prepare before an absolutely aggressive africanized honeybee removal. The guy has said time and again. The occasional sting he gets is on the nose where the screen touches.

It can be intimidating for even a beginner adult when the bees are really buzzing the first time or two. Give the child a chance to experience the event, along with a safe and secure feeling to match which will build confidence.

Try to keep his or her interest. Show the comb with honey, explain brood, larva, etc. Show and tell of the queen if found. Revelation will build interest in the inner parts of the colony and soon the child will learn to ignore the loud buzzing.  Best to you and yours.

Phillip

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by Kathyp on December 09, 2024, 09:27:25 pm »

And this reminds me of the first time I took my young granddaughter out to the bee yard. I ended up with a bee going up the leg of my jeans, but I didn't want to scare her by making a big deal of it. Of course, before I could strip off my pants and get it out, it had stung me. I had to control both my actions and my vocabulary for her sake.   

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by Kathyp on December 09, 2024, 09:25:25 pm »

I would let the kids decide. If they have been stung they know the risk. I would advise secure face covering and some kind of gloves + a stock of liquid Benadryl just in case.
I never wanted to discourage the kids from doing farm work, but it's our responsibility to make it as safe as we can for them.

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FARMING & COUNTRY LIFE / Squirrel Hunting With Champion Dogs

« Last post by Ben Framed on December 09, 2024, 08:00:15 pm »

If you are an outdoors guy or gal who likes to hunt , this may be for you!

Get the cook pot ready!

https://youtu.be/E80u5sOuGCw?si=RKuEAkMf6wB3HFYy

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GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. / Re: When to get the kids in the bee yard

« Last post by iddee on December 09, 2024, 06:16:16 pm »

My friend had a 3 y/o grandson who would play with the bees in the swimming pool until he got stung. Then he would go around all the family members and show off his stinger. He wouldn't allow them to remove it until he had shown everyone. As 15th said, it depends totally on the disposition of the kid.