CpnObvious' Beekeeping Journey

[Jen]

Cpn    I have done the same indecisions, it doesn't seem right to 'take away' from the frames... buuut... if I leave it will it cause something worse.

When I got onto this forum in January my frames were a monumental MESS! I was asking the same questions as you. The wise members here would so kindly turn me around, go back into the hive and get rid of the wonky comb. I did, It Was Brood Armageddon! I would much rather gut a deer. So much destroyed brood.

The good news is, now my frames all fit right in their boxes, there is plenty of bee space between the frames, I don't worry that I will roll the queen on wonky comb when I pull up a frame.

And it only took a couple of weeks for the bees to straighten out my mess and there were new eggs. It's early in the season.

If it were me, I would listen to Scott and Apis on this one 
 

[CpnObvious]

I will.  I'll be back in the hives on Friday or Saturday.  I'll become a killer then. 

I don't worry that I will roll the queen on wonky comb when I pull up a frame.

Funny you should mention that.  Hive2 is the only one I never saw the queen in...  I imagine she was hiding on the other side of that comb.  I've been concerned about just that!

[Jen]

Cpn- I never new you COULD roll a queen until I got onto this forum. That right there is what sent me out to fix the comb. I really hope your queen was hiding, and probably is   

When you shave off the wonky comb, relax, just take your time and know that you're doing the right thing 

[apisbees]

If you take a close look at the comb size (cells per inch) I think you will find that the bees will have built larger size cells, that will get laid with unfertilized eggs and the wonky comb will be mainly drones. that will not help your worker bee population. As lazy said it could cause the bees to screw up the next frames of foundation and they could end up as drone size also.If it was me I would remove it. they are going to attach it to a couple of frames and back fill it with honey and when in the fall or next spring when the bees are not in the best mood, You are going to have a sticky mess on your hand. with bees that are not happy.

[CpnObvious]

Hive 1 Day 20 Week 3 inspection notes.

1)  the frames aren't drawn any more than they were last week
2) based on last week's inspection I added a second deep on day 16 even though it seemed early. I removed it today.
3) they haven't touched the syrup since I added the second deep (had HoneyBee Healthy in it).  I think I may put a jar feeder up top tomorrow or Monday.
4) seems to have a lot more drone cells than Id expect.  There is worker brood, just more drone than I would expect.
5) found mold, I created a separate post for that.
6) found her Highness
7) appears to be the weakest of the 3 hives

[CpnObvious]

Hive 2 Day 20 Week3 notes:
1) more drone than I would have expected
2) they seem to use a lot of syrup. the top feeder needed cleaning so I took it, but added the jar feeder up top from Hive 3 as they barely touch it
3) found the queen
4) more drone brood than I'd expect.
5) removed the wonky comb I left in last time.  it was mass hysteria!  The carnage, oh, the carnage!







Hive 3 Day 19 Week 3 inspection notes:
1) seems to be VERY strong
2) LOTS and LOTS and LOTS of worker brood
3) image 54 contains a queen cup at bottom of a frame, saw it in picture, not while in hive
4) the queen cup I did see in the hive was vacant
5) found the queen
6) they barely touch the feeder, I put it in hive 2

[CpnObvious]

I don't worry that I will roll the queen on wonky comb when I pull up a frame.

Jen,

I removed that big ol chunk of comb today...  Sure-enough, wasn't she on the other side of it, between it and the foundation?  I laid the comb down on top of the other frames, took some pics, and watched her disappear down into the other frames.  Checked on her on those frames before I was done.

[Jen]

Hiya Cpn- Whew! That was close right?

And even tho I'm still learning to study the frame, Your hive #3 looks pretty good to me, nice layed out brood 

[CpnObvious]

Yeah, Jen, hive 3 seems to be doing exceptionally well compared to the other two.  Wish I knew why.  The laying pattern, the quantity of capped brood, everything. I'm anxious to see what will be said about hives 1&2.

[Jen]

Reply #25  "removed the wonky comb I left in last time.  it was mass hysteria!  The carnage, oh, the carnage!"

    I know right? It's sickening when we have to clean up all that brood, it's sticky and wet, and drippy, and I will never forget the odor involved with removing the destroyed brood. I'm so glad mine is straightened out and I'm glad that yours is getting straightened out as well.

Keep those frames pushed together! 

[Zweefer]

looks great!  so glad at least one of the freshman class is excelling!

[CpnObvious]

Apis and iddee,
What are you thoughts on the drone brood in hives 1 & 2?  Reply #14 eluded to drone laying after week 1 inspection.  Hive 2 has more drone brood than hive 1, but I don't think they're all that different.  If I didn't have hive 3 looking the way it does I may not even be asking!  Hive 3 only has a few drone brood, if any.

(I'm open to anyone else's responses, but this topic isn't the only place I've seen Apis and/or iddee comment about drone brood)

[iddee]

I would notify the supplier and tell him if it looks that way in another week, I want replacement queens.

[LazyBkpr]

Yep... they will either straighten out or get worse.  Clumps of drone brood dont bother me, but when there is a random drone here and there it does bother me. The packages I started that had random drone brood scattered about all superseded, I let them, and they once again have a well mated queen. If the random drone brood persists and they do not supersede, and or you want to speed up the process..  as Iddee said, replace the queens either through getting replacements from your supplier, or raising them yourself.

[CpnObvious]

I contacted my supplier as a heads-up earlier today.  He has already responded:

ME:

> Subject: Package requeening?
>
> Tom,
>
> Now that the brood are capped and should be emerging this
> week/weekend, I'm finding much more drone brood than expected in 2 of
> my 3 new packages. I've had a couple more experienced beeks look and
> they suggested I see if things are straightened out by next week, and
> if drone cells continue to show up I should requeen. They recommend I
> first speak to my supplier. If it comes down to requeening, do you
> have any? I know you were "just" the delivery guy, is your supplier
> someone that could be contacted if the need arises?
>
> Please let me know,
>
> Jeff

His Response:

On 2014-06-17 21:49, beardedbee wrote:
> I have 2 other problem queens I sent for replacements yesterday
> ...still waiting to see if they are covering those ....really 2 out of
> 3 ? How bad are they ?
> Any pics ?

[Zweefer]

must be nice to have a supplier who will work with you! 

I am sure things will work out.  with any luck they will straighten up and fly right on their own...

[CpnObvious]

His response.:

Jeff
     There are some drone but lots of good brood too ...I would see how she does ...there is some nice full brood in some of those. ..

[riverbee]

capn, my personal opinion, a fair reply, and i would do as he suggests, to see how she does.  seems they are willing to work with you.

[CpnObvious]

Yes, River, I agree, and that was my plan.  My initial email to him did say: " they suggested I see if things are straightened out by next week".  I may not have been as clear as I should/could have been.  My intent was more-so to give him a heads-up just in case.  Thank you for your continued help!

[riverbee]

i think you were clear capn, you notified him and sent pix, so the head's up is out there. just be patient and see how she does.