Author Topic: My first swarm call  (Read 3920 times)

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Offline neillsayers

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My first swarm call
« on: April 19, 2018, 09:20:16 am »
Got the call yesterday with just enough time to get there before dark. They were clustered so close to the ground I had to scoop up most of them to get in the box. Not a big swarm but it was a fun experience. :)




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Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #1 on: April 19, 2018, 01:37:15 pm »
   I am so jealous of weather like that!
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Offline Wandering Man

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #2 on: April 19, 2018, 02:28:19 pm »
This seems to be prime swarm season down here.  3Reds and I are pretty much laying low when someone starts asking about swarm catchers.  We need to catch our breath before thinking about adding another hive to our apiary.

I'm tempted, but also very cautious about stepping into, or creating, another cloud of angry bees.
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Offline neillsayers

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #3 on: April 19, 2018, 06:31:41 pm »
So far these guys have been very gentle. Look like carnie mutts to me. I've got them hived with old comb and syrup. Hope they decide to stay. :)
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Online Bakersdozen

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #4 on: April 19, 2018, 08:11:38 pm »
Looks like fun Neil.  4/12 was the first swarm I heard about around here.

Offline Perry

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #5 on: April 19, 2018, 08:16:23 pm »
   I am so jealous of weather like that!

You and me both brother, I haven't even cracked inner covers on 90% of my hives yet. :sad:
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Offline LazyBkpr

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #6 on: April 19, 2018, 09:48:30 pm »
Me either Perry...  Supposed to be 50's this weekend, and hit 60's on Monday.. so Monday is my plan to go see what I have left!
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Offline neillsayers

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #7 on: April 20, 2018, 12:52:29 pm »
Spring has been slow coming for everyone this year, I think. Sweet Wife has lots of early vegetables planted but has been unable to uncover them until very recently due to cold nights.

Patience Perry and Lazy, yours is coming.  :)
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Offline neillsayers

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #8 on: April 28, 2018, 09:44:08 pm »
Well, I took a look in the hive today and was pleased with what I saw. Three frames of eggs, no larva yet. That indicates it took her a week to start laying, but her pattern is near perfect. Rest of the hive is busy drawing comb and putting up nectar and pollen.

Went through the whole hive without seeing the queen and just when I was ready to close up I pulled a frame from the center of the broodnest and there she was-fat, golden and strutting around like, well, a queen.  Very calm, gentle bees.

A good day. :)
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Offline riverbee

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #9 on: May 02, 2018, 12:24:49 am »
"and there she was-fat, golden and strutting around like, well, a queen."

neill, gotta love it!..........

a very good day!
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Offline Les

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Re: My first swarm call
« Reply #10 on: May 02, 2018, 12:48:50 am »
Congrats....a great way to start the season!