Worldwide Beekeeping

Beekeeping => Beekeeping 101 => Topic started by: Bakersdozen on May 22, 2019, 06:57:13 pm

Title: Biggest Mistake Award!
Post by: Bakersdozen on May 22, 2019, 06:57:13 pm
I think I get this month's award for making THE BIGGEST MISTAKE in beekeeping!  I found a queen still in her cage inside a hive!  I am not sure how long she was stuck in there.  It's been at least two weeks, possibly more.
We have had nothing but rain for about 2 weeks.  Not sprinkles, toad strangling down pours.  It's really hard to check on hives when it's raining, or your at work, or your dealing with life!  I found an hour late this afternoon, in between cloud bursts.  I went through hives quickly to see how they were doing.  I found the poor little queen still in her cage.  Her attendants were all dead. 
And to think, I debated between trying to cut some grass or check on hives.  (Of course, you know I am going to favor checking on bees.)
Any way, it's pouring rain again.
Title: Re: Biggest Mistake Award!
Post by: iddee on May 22, 2019, 08:36:35 pm
I hope you released her. I knew an instance where a beek left one in a queen clip for 30 days. She started laying when released and was a good queen afterward. It didn't seem to bother her performance at all.
Title: Re: Biggest Mistake Award!
Post by: Bakersdozen on May 23, 2019, 05:27:05 am
Yes, I released her.  She scurried out and down in between the frames.  Fortunately, I had caught this colony queenless right away and the worker numbers were still high. 
Title: Re: Biggest Mistake Award!
Post by: tecumseh on May 23, 2019, 07:08:03 am
Biggest mistakes? Oh let me count the ways!
Title: Re: Biggest Mistake Award!
Post by: Jen on May 23, 2019, 11:35:52 am
Oh Baker! I love your straight forward honesty :D These are the beekeeping moments where I fix the mishap and skulk way mumbling 'I just won't mention this one' eyes shifting from side to side.

Like Tec said 'Let me count the ways'