Happy Chooks
Loving the herd life
No idea, but it sure looks like a swarm moved in.
2017 Bee hive swarm information, history, lessons, successes, etc.
- Thread starter soarwitheagles
- Start date
- Thread starter
- #142
soarwitheagles
True BYH Addict
HC,
Well, I still have no clue regarding many aspects of raising/managing honeybees. Just when I think I have them a little figured out, they do something that totally surprises me.
Take today as an example:
Today, right around 10 am, we had 2-3 new swarms move in to traps placed here on the property. So in May, we had many, many swarms caught here. Then, there was a 1-2 week lull, and I was convinced swarm season was over.
Then BAM! Swarms galore all over again.
I have no clue whatsoever what I am doing most of the time and to be honest with you, at times I feel a bit overwhelmed.
In some aspects, it is a wonderful way to learn. Honey bees sure are a strange type of critter and I feel I can learn a lot while raising/managing them...
Happy Chooks
Loving the herd life
I feel the same, the bees always surprise me when I think I know something. Never a dull moment! The beekeeper I got my bees from has worked with bees for over 30 years and says they still teach him things.
I keep this in the back of my head......."if in doubt, do nothing".
With the weather so different year to year, how can anything be the same? Sometimes I can get into a hive no problem without smoke. Other times, you definitely want that smoke!
I keep this in the back of my head......."if in doubt, do nothing".
With the weather so different year to year, how can anything be the same? Sometimes I can get into a hive no problem without smoke. Other times, you definitely want that smoke!
- Thread starter
- #144
soarwitheagles
True BYH Addict
Yes, the bees are always full of surprises. I think that is what adds flavor to the adventure!
Today, we did a super fast inspection. Some of our hives were completely filled to overflowing. So we added extra supers with wax sprayed foundation on new frames.
Still did not find the time to transfer all the newest/latest swarms from the traps to the bee boxes. Hope to find time to do it at 5 am tomorrow morning...
Recent swarms are much smaller in size...in fact, I am not even sure if they are genuine swarms! Anyone have any ideas on this?
I will do my best to take some pics of the inside of the swarm boxes during the transfer process.
Today, we did a super fast inspection. Some of our hives were completely filled to overflowing. So we added extra supers with wax sprayed foundation on new frames.
Still did not find the time to transfer all the newest/latest swarms from the traps to the bee boxes. Hope to find time to do it at 5 am tomorrow morning...
Recent swarms are much smaller in size...in fact, I am not even sure if they are genuine swarms! Anyone have any ideas on this?
I will do my best to take some pics of the inside of the swarm boxes during the transfer process.
Happy Chooks
Loving the herd life
Afterswarms with virgin queens maybe? Just a total guess.
I can't wait to get into my #1 hive next week and I hope there is a laying queen!
I can't wait to get into my #1 hive next week and I hope there is a laying queen!
babsbag
Herd Master
I checked my hive this morning and the queen is out of her cage and still alive. I didn't see any eggs yet but it was hot so didn't look for very long. Didn't really expect to see any since she has only been in the hive since Wednesday. I was just happy that she is still alive.
- Thread starter
- #147
soarwitheagles
True BYH Addict
HC, wow, that is exactly what another beekeeper said. I suppose I will find out when we open them and move them into the boxes. We were too busy this weekend, but hope to do it this week asap.
Babs, congrats on your queen being alive! Give her a few more days and hopefully she will be laying lots of eggs for you!
Happy Chooks
Loving the herd life
- Thread starter
- #149
soarwitheagles
True BYH Addict
Update: Been busier than a bee here day and night...
Some swarms are still in their traps...3 weeks later...can't find the time to move em' yet.
Built many new nucs and began the process of populating the nucs yesterday. These nuc boxes cost me less than a dollar to build before the paint and that silver disc. All hives full of honey and most at thriving in a marvelous way and can be easily split. So no complaints!
Also completed the new ant proof beehive stands...and they are now ready too.
Trying something radically new here and I have never heard of anyone doing it before although I am sure people have done it before...
We began placing all nucs up in trees, keeping every nuc 40-100 ft. apart. We do not want the queen confusing which nuc is theirs when they return from their mating flights...
Some swarms are still in their traps...3 weeks later...can't find the time to move em' yet.
Built many new nucs and began the process of populating the nucs yesterday. These nuc boxes cost me less than a dollar to build before the paint and that silver disc. All hives full of honey and most at thriving in a marvelous way and can be easily split. So no complaints!
Also completed the new ant proof beehive stands...and they are now ready too.
Trying something radically new here and I have never heard of anyone doing it before although I am sure people have done it before...
We began placing all nucs up in trees, keeping every nuc 40-100 ft. apart. We do not want the queen confusing which nuc is theirs when they return from their mating flights...
- Thread starter
- #150
soarwitheagles
True BYH Addict
Noticed bees all over our planted white dutch and ladino
clover pastures...
BUT, the clover and grass got a wee bit too high...so we put the sheep out today at 1 pm
Time to mow the lawn again!
FYI, it requires about 3-4 days for a new clover flowers to return...full blooms require about a week. Sure is a nice cycle to have!
BUT, the clover and grass got a wee bit too high...so we put the sheep out today at 1 pm
Time to mow the lawn again!
FYI, it requires about 3-4 days for a new clover flowers to return...full blooms require about a week. Sure is a nice cycle to have!
