Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => General Beekeeping => Topic started by: Jen on January 01, 2014, 05:27:21 pm

Title: Bees in bottom hive
Post by: Jen on January 01, 2014, 05:27:21 pm

The last two days I went out to nab a couple of bees for bvt. 2-3 weeks ago, when I put on the popsicle sticks they were very obviously in the top hive. Now they are in the bottom hive or at least some of them are. And they were not happy to see me today, assertive but not aggressive. Why would they be in the bottom hive this time of year. A little warmer weather maybe?

Title: Re: Bees in bottom hive
Post by: iddee on January 01, 2014, 05:30:36 pm

The cluster expands and contracts with the temp. If warm enough, 5 frames of clustered bees will cover the whole 2 boxes.

Title: Re: Bees in bottom hive
Post by: Jen on January 01, 2014, 07:53:09 pm

Cool! Good To Know!

Should I be concerned about their assertiveness today? So not like my bees to be jumpy like that...

Title: Re: Bees in bottom hive
Post by: Riverrat on January 01, 2014, 08:16:47 pm

no concern typical bee behavior this time of year

Title: Re: Bees in bottom hive
Post by: iddee on January 01, 2014, 08:19:00 pm

Were they any more assertive than you are when the kids come flying in when it's below freezing and leave the door wide open?

Title: Re: Bees in bottom hive
Post by: Jen on January 01, 2014, 10:04:41 pm

I never have to take the lid off to nab my bees for medicinal purposes. and I rarely have to move the entrance reducers. I have my magic ways ~wink~