Brand new bee keeping

[WantToBeeLady]

Hello everyone.  I trying to get the hang of this beekeeping thing and could use some advice.  Two weeks ago I received my first 5 frame hive.  At least three of the frames were totally loaded and heavy when I opened the box.  I placed the five frames into a new 10 frame hive, with the five active frames in the middle and new frames on either sides.  Then based on advice I have picked up on this site I placed the feeders on top of the inside hive cover, placed another hive section on top of this and then the outside cover.  They have been going after the feeders like crazy, which I think is normal.  And I have been loading up the feeders every other day.  Is this enough or too much?? Also...the girls are not happy with me AT ALL.  I didn't expect us to be best friends, but these girls are very angry.  Is this normal??? 

[Rugerbob]

Feeding is good, just make sure they don't become honey/sugar bound. Add frames and shift them around so the queen has space to lay eggs.
Some hives are naturally hot, a sure hand and being expedient will reduce their aggressive behavior.

[kebee]

Welcome to the forum, hope you get your answer here, don't go into the hive to often, once a week is plenty, it upset them and takes a couple of days to get settle back in.

Ken

[apisbees]

Welcome beelady Thanks for starting a thread. Aggression in bee hives can be hard to figure out at times. Weather, loud noises, vibration. other animals or insects (Skunks, raccoons, mice, hornets Yellow jackets) can all make a gentle hive become aggressive. I have even seen where tree branches knocking the hive in the breeze has set them off. Sorry to say I have seen some people being to close to a hive causing the bees to become more aggressive.
Other things, to much smoke, perfumes, scented soaps, bananas, dark colors, and many more.
Time of day go into the hive between 11am and 3 pm as that is when most of the bees will be out foraging.
and lastly the calmer you stay the calmer the bees will be.

[WantToBeeLady]

Thanks for the advice.  I've only had this nuc for about 10 days.  Some people suggest a hive inspection within the first week.  Others say a few weeks.  What do you think??  My gut is saying to wait.

I can't tell you how much I appreciate your suggestions.  This being my first hive is nerve wracking.  We already had our inaugural bee sting here.  So that's out of the way. Now it's just everything else.

[apisbees]

There is a difference between taking a peek, and doing a full inspection which every frame is removed or you keep looking until you personally see the queen.
Peek lots Keep the number of full inspections down. Check for syrup, pull off the inner cover and observe how many frames the bees are covering and working. Look to see how they are doing at pulling the wax foundation remove the frames of foundation on the outside to allow the frames they are pulling to be easily removed so they can be inspected, look for eggs, larva, pollen, nectar the frames in the center with brood in them the queen will most likely be there should be disturbed and inspected less

[Perry]

 
I agree, a peak once a week to watch how they are progressing, any further only if you feel it is warranted. I would make feed available until they either stop taking it, or you have comb well under way being drawn in your second brood chamber.
Exciting isn't it?

[WantToBeeLady]

It is exciting and different.  I know I have so much to learn, but I'm looking forward to it.

[riverbee]

btw wanttobeelady............



welcome to the forum, looking forward to reading more of your posts!

[neillsayers]

Welcome wantabeelady!

This is a great place for advice or opinions. I'm new also so I can't add a whole lot. Don't be shy about applying a little smoke when you do go in the hive. Makes for totally different bees.