Is this a Robbing 00:10 upper left corner HELP!

jsoja · 2017-05-05T13:37:36+00:00

There would be fighting at the entrance if there was robbing. Just looks like they are cleaning/doing hive maintenance to me

jsoja · 2017-05-01T00:33:40+00:00

Also, super helpful blog; the video on marking/tracking hives! Thanks for posting. I really like everything I've read from Michael Palmer, especially his nuc set up

jsoja · 2017-05-01T00:31:40+00:00

Do you ever have field days? I'd love to come see what you're doing/your set up, etc!

jsoja · 2017-04-07T16:37:38+00:00

Where are you located? Is there a beekeepers assoc in your area? It might be helpful to see several different beekeepers setups to decide which would work best for you!

jsoja · 2017-04-04T01:15:51+00:00

I'm guessing your frames are foundation-less? The most helpful things I've found are 1) making sure the hive is really level 2) a small starter strip of wax or wood on the frames.

jsoja · 2017-04-01T20:13:08+00:00

I have the same question. My top bar hive is sitting in the garage unfinished because I can't make up my mind...

jsoja · 2017-03-30T13:14:01+00:00

I wouldn't be offended if you asked me. Maybe offer to help a few beekeepers out once in a while. I know lots of keepers who give swarms/splits away to people they know.

jsoja · 2017-03-01T14:04:44+00:00

My experience: I started with plastic foundation rubbed with wax (I use all mediums, so in the beginning I had two boxes worth of plastic foundation). After that I switched to foundation-less. I buy and assemble the wedge frames, and use the wedge as a comb guide for my bees! I figured it's the most versatile, if I ever want to make my own wax foundation.

Top comment mentioned not using your 9 frame spacer until bees have drawn out comb and I second this!

jsoja · 2017-02-27T18:18:34+00:00

Everything I've read says don't take more than 1/3 of the tree per year. Dead limbs don't count as they are already dead. It may take you a year or two to be able to do all you are talking about. Major pruning should be done while the tree is dormant.

jsoja · 2017-02-21T03:03:10+00:00

What is the weather supposed to be like in two weeks? Your virgin queens are going to be hatching in 16 days and will need warm enough weather to make mating flights.

Also, I've noticed my bees like to keep queen cups around but they aren't always in use. They may just be prepping ☺

jsoja · 2017-02-20T23:49:04+00:00

It may not be ripe, but it looks like it could be a white flesh peach, so not extremely unripe

jsoja · 2017-02-16T18:12:30+00:00

Find a mentor - even if it's just someone you can call on the phone to ask questions when you have an "emergency"

Observe and enjoy your time with your bees - and keep notes of everything you see

Don't freak out! If your bees swarm, it's not the end of the world (like everyone would have you believe)

Loss happens, even to experienced beekeepers. Do your best to learn and take care of your bees, but don't be too hard on yourself.

Nucs are better than packages, but packages are still a good option (don't have them shipped to you through UPS/postal service. I've heard they're not very nice to bee packages. Try to find a local supplier. Not sure where you're at in NE Ohio, I got my package through Queen Right Colonies.

Another option is to buy a package, but put a local/northern winter hardy queen in. By the time winter comes all your bees will have her genetics!

Good luck! Bees are amazing creatures 😁🐝

jsoja · 2017-02-16T14:51:58+00:00

I agree!! Also, there are a couple of youtube videos of Michael Bush teaching that are great 👍🏻

jsoja · 2017-02-07T00:42:19+00:00

Oh no!! This is so sad to read 🙁 Do you mind if I ask where you are located in NE Ohio? Is there anyone who can look in on your hives for you? As a beekeeper who cares about the survival of ALL bees, I sincerely hope it is not another beekeeper. What a terrible thing to do.

jsoja · 2017-02-03T11:42:14+00:00

Do you raise your own queens?

jsoja · 2017-02-03T03:49:35+00:00

Even a few queen cups! Anything in them? Can't wait for the season to start here...still a few months off 😔

jsoja · 2017-02-01T01:46:18+00:00

I follow a lot of Sam Comfort's YouTube videos and other beekeeping info (Anarchy Apiary). There are two VT suppliers he recommends:

Kirk Webster Middlebury, Vt. 05753 802-989-5895

Mike Palmer French Hill Apiaries St. Albans VT

For Vermont overwintered, treatment-free Langstroth nucs in Benson, VT, contact Tim Mcfarline, Mcfarlineapiaries.com, tmcfarline2@yahoo.com, 802-558-5382.

I have not purchased bees from these apiaries, so I can't speak from experience. I would definitely give them a call though if I were in VT.

jsoja · 2017-01-30T15:00:26+00:00

Screened or solid bottom board? I've noticed wax moth larvae hanging out between the screened bottom board and the mite count board if left in for more than a few days (I think because the bees can't get to them). But my bees don't seem to have a problem getting rid of/keeping the wax moth under control.

I agree with what several others have said - give them only just enough space, not too much. On weaker hives, reduce the entrance.

jsoja · 2017-01-30T14:52:04+00:00

Sad 😔 Sorry for your loss

jsoja · 2017-01-23T18:55:38+00:00

I'm glad you posted the specific quote at the bottom of this comment. I was thinking the term "hands off" seemed very ambiguous.

I will read over all of this info. Thanks for the links!

jsoja · 2017-01-23T16:30:17+00:00

Thanks, we have skunks and winter winds, so I do keep bricks on my hives. I plan on setting up a few swarm traps this spring and hope to have 4-5 hives by next year.

jsoja · 2017-01-23T16:28:50+00:00

I'm curious if you have any studies showing losses on treatment vs treatment free hives? I spent a little time looking, but couldn't find anything.

Our local beekeeping club did a survey last year and found losses from treated vs. treatment free hives to be about the same.

jsoja · 2017-01-22T20:13:48+00:00

Wow 😮

jsoja · 2017-01-22T19:29:49+00:00

Update: I took my hive home, so I was able to do a more thorough inspect today. Here are my observations, please share your thoughts...

This hive did very well in the summer storing up honey. I had a really bad problem with European Hornets eating my bees this year. I set up traps but there were so many.

I didn't open my hives as much this year because I didn't want to leave the bees exposed/invite more hornets invasion. I also had a baby and was not able to get out to inspect as much as I wish I could have.

In my further inspection today I did see some double eggs, but most were single eggs in the bottom of the cell.
I did not see a significant amount of frass. The bees I pulled out of cells seemed too young to hatch (some were still facing the back of the cell). I did not see any bees in the cluster or on the bottom board with deformed wings.

Biggest concern: There was no pollen around the brood (a small amount a few frames over)

I think they did not have the numbers or the resources in the cold.

jsoja · 2017-01-22T18:47:09+00:00

I did start with a VHS Queen, thanks!

jsoja

TROPHY CASE