New package in (still) cooler weather questions...

[CpnObvious]

My 2 new packages are currently set to arrive on 4/26.  I'm in North-Central Massachusetts, so we're starting to hit 40-deg temps, but that doesn't really mean a whole lot 'round these parts'.  My frames will have virgin wax foundations (http://www.mannlakeltd.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=mannlake&Screen=DISP_INFO&Product_Code=FN-105&ajax=true).  I'm making some top feeders (of which I will upload pics once complete).  I've watched what must be EVERY bee video on youporntube and I've certainly seen the truth in the statement "If you ask 10 beekeepers the right way to do something you'll get at least 10 different answers."  Can you guys please provide some feedback on my statement(s) and questions below?

I'm pretty sure I know what I want to do for each of these, but I don't want to taint anyone's recommendations by putting my thoughts in here.  Thanks again for all your help!

1) Installation of package:
     a) Bang & Dump (see ?4) or
     b) Remove some frames place package into hive for a day

2) The initial hive from the ground up: Stand, Base, deep super, feeder, cover.  Should I include a top cover? Above or below feeder?

3) The feed: 1-1 sugar/water syrup w/ http://www.mannlakeltd.com/mm5/merchant.mvc?Store_Code=mannlake&Screen=DISP_INFO&Product_Code=FD-350&ajax=true added per instructions.  How long will a gallon or so of syrup initally last?

4)  Entrance reducer? I've seen several recommendations:
     a) Completely close entrance for first 24 hours
     b) Limit entrance to 1" wide
     c) Limit entrance to 2 1/2" wide

5)  Limit initial # of frames?  It seems some folks say to start with only 5 frames and 5 spacers to help initially concentrate the bees.  thoughts?

6)  The queen:  Open the candy end of cage?  Poke a hole through the candy?  Open the empty corked end and stuff with a marshmallow?  Just dump her out of the queen cage?

7)  Aside from potentially removing the package box and/or unblocking the entrance, leave alone for the first 4 days?

I'm obviously excited and want to play in the hive constantly once I set it up, but alas, I know that would be bad.  how much is too much?  What is "acceptable" for a virgin package (NOT meant to sound so dirty!  )


BTW: Yes, I've been to this page... I had already seen these videos. http://www.worldwidebeekeeping.com/forum/index.php/topic,310.0.html

[iddee]

1..Either works. For cooler weather I would use B.

2..Above feeder, or in storage shed.

3..Different packages take different amounts. Keep an eye on it and refill when needed.

4..B or C Stray bees need to get in.

5..May help. Not mandatory.

6..Remove cork on candy end and scratch candy to remove crust, if any.

7..4 to 7

8..Acceptable is once a week, above 60 F. and sunny.

[LazyBkpr]

   Your thinking too hard and trying to correlate too many ideas Tbone.   The bees know what they are doing with the frames. If you have a follower reduce the number of frames to 5 or 6, otherwise put them in there and let them do their thing.

   I don't like to put the package in the box, it is just one more time I have to disturb them at a time they shouldn't be disturbed. I have done the thump and dump on every package I have installed. You dont have to be violent, just firm, and the bees will come through it splendidly.

   Set the hive up correctly. bottom board, hive body, inner cover (Notch up) tele cover.
   I reduce the entrance to the 1" size to start out with.  After two to three weeks open it to the 3 - 4 inch size.

   When it is time for the third medium I flip the inner cover notch down and make sure the tele cover is pushed forward so they can use the notch as an entrance if they desire to.

   If you have a frame of brood it seems to help make them at home. I have yet to have any bees abscond when installed around a frame of brood. I am sure it is not foolproof, but so far so good.

   As far as the candy plug goes..   if the queen has been in transit with the bees two or three days go ahead and poke the candy plug if you wish to. If the bees were overnighted then I would NOT poke the candy plug..  the candy plug is supposedly a three day release. poking a hole in it reduces that time.

[iddee]

Lazy, it's Cpn, not tbone.
You missed the top feeder.
Do you put the inner lid under or over the feeder, or in the storage shed?

[LazyBkpr]

Lazy, it's Cpn, not tbone.
You missed the top feeder.
Do you put the inner lid under or over the feeder, or in the storage shed?

   Yep, I knew that.. I was testing you......   

   I don't use standard top feeders so didn't answer..
   Cooler weather I would use baggies in hopes the bees can transfer some heat to the syrup. Shim under the inner cover, baggie on the top bars for best heat retention. If its above 50 I use the 4 jar stands and put them on top of the inner cover, then cover them with a hive body and a shim with the tele cover over them.

 

[Ray]

1:1 syrup can spoil, unless the girls are really taking it, I would limit the amount in the top feeder to 1 gallon. That gives you an excuse to check on them .

Give a bunch of bee a place to build comb and they will build comb, especially it you don't want it there! 

[Slowmodem]

Lazy, it's Cpn, not tbone.
You missed the top feeder.
Do you put the inner lid under or over the feeder, or in the storage shed?

It has been my experience that if you put a top feeder on top of the hive, they will build comb and lay eggs under the feeder:



I ended up putting the inner cover and an empty super under the top feeder.  I guess this makes them think the feeder is outside, and they don't build comb there.

[apisbees]

Lazy, it's Cpn, not tbone.
You missed the top feeder.
Do you put the inner lid under or over the feeder, or in the storage shed?

It has been my experience that if you put a top feeder on top of the hive, they will build comb and lay eggs under the feeder:



I ended up putting the inner cover and an empty super under the top feeder.  I guess this makes them think the feeder is outside, and they don't build comb there.

Forget about the bees or be to scarwd to go thou them for a month and they will have the space filled with burcomb.

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[CpnObvious]

Should've kept my mouth shut about the weather... Woke up to about 1 1/2" of icy snow caked all over everything!

[camero7]

Weather forecast is for warmer weather when your package arrives. But there will be colder nights and some cold daytime temps for a while. I like to put fondant on the packages and a small patty [I use 1/2]. This gives them something they can use 24/7. As soon as the weather is consistently warmer than 50° syrup is a better option. Feed until they fill out at least 10 frames - preferably more.

[CpnObvious]

Nice to have someone from MA on here, too!

Can someone provide a recipe for cakes or fondante?  It's kind of getting late to place another order, and funds are running low... I do have the MannLake version of Honey-B Healthy on it's way, so I can incorporate that.

[Steve4548]

I am in north east ct and have my first hives this year. Thanks for the post


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