Author Topic: Bonehead with bees (no offense tbone) (Read 20735 times)

Jen · « **Reply #40 on:** June 10, 2014, 12:19:35 am »

Okee Dokee Thanks

Woody Roberts · « **Reply #41 on:** June 10, 2014, 11:18:14 am »

If I hold the frame in one hand and slap the back of that hand with my other hand workes really well.

Three or four hard slaps will usually clear every bee off.

Jen · « **Reply #42 on:** June 10, 2014, 02:01:42 pm »

That's a novel idea Woody

so the frame would be hanging downwards, then I hit the back of my gripping hand ~ Cool! That sounds doable for me

tedh · « **Reply #43 on:** July 13, 2014, 10:06:58 am »

Hi Everyone,
Due to some technical difficulties (or maybe computer ignorance) I've been able to read the posts but unable to respond. Not that I'd have much to add but.... Sooooo, Ive got a few more questions but, first an update. I'm continuing to feed 1:1 syrup and pollen protein patties. Two weeks ago I added the second deep. I may have rushed that a bit but was concerned that the number of new bees emerging might overwhelm the single deep they were in. The girls are drawing out the second deep, not as fast as I'd like, but then I'm trying to be patient

. They seem to be using the top deep as a honey super, filling the cells with nectar/syrup and not brood. Is this a problem?
From what I've read it seems as though now is the time to start leaving them alone for longer periods. So my plan is to go to 2 week inspections and for the most part (unless I think there's a problem) inspect only the top deep. Does that sound right? Also, it seems as though I've heard that I should remove the Wooden entrance reducer when the summer weather starts to turn hot and humid. We've had some HOT and HUMID days however we've also had some fairly cool days and low overnight temps. We've also gotten a fair amount of rain this season. Any thoughts on the entrance reducer? Thanks Everyone, Ted

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #44 on:** July 13, 2014, 02:53:10 pm »

Hey Ted!!

Do you have a top entrance? Don't remember if you grabbed some inner covers or not?
I have found that once my bees start using that they seem to be more interested in filling the top deep/supers. Nectar/honey is fine in the top deep, thats where you want them to put it rather than in the brood nest. They will put some around brood, along with pollen, the excess nectar is stored above to prepare for winter.
I still have my entrance reducers in, but also have the top entrance so they can get good ventilation going if they need it. If they are bearding I will pull the reducer as well. Will have several hives un reduced by next week.
Are your bees still taking syrup? Munching on the pollen patty?

Jen · « **Reply #45 on:** July 13, 2014, 03:03:57 pm »

My first hive I drilled a two inch hole in the middle of the lid, stapled some screen on it, and it worked great for a single deep, until you get your inner board

tedh · « **Reply #46 on:** July 13, 2014, 03:35:34 pm »

I did get a couple of inner covers from you (Lazy) with the entrance cut into them. If I remember right, I think I'm renting them from you

!
My bees have been bearding during the last couple of hot, muggy days. It's really kind of impressive considering the slow start they had! They continue taking syrup but, less than a quart a week, sometimes much less. They go through about half of a pollen patty every two weeks. So, entrance reducers out one day this coming week?

Oh, by the way Lazy. If you have any honey to extract I'd be willing to help out, or stand and watch, at your discretion. I'd like to see that process in hopes of next year! Thanks Everyone! Ted

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #47 on:** July 13, 2014, 10:21:29 pm »

Be careful if feeding with a wide open entrance.. Not sure if there are other hives or feral colonies near you.. Don't want them to get robbed out.. Having said that, we STILL have a good flow going.. so shouldn't be a problem, keep an eye peeled.
Supposed to be in the 70's for a few days, after that I will be pulling a few reducers myself.

70's in mid July?? should be 98 to 102 degrees this time of year.. but I'll TAKE it!

I'll make sure to let you know when I am going to extract. An extra hand is ALWAYS welcome.
Scott

riverbee · « **Reply #48 on:** July 13, 2014, 10:40:24 pm »

"70's in mid July?? should be 98 to 102 degrees this time of year.. but I'll TAKE it!"

ditto that scott! same weather here, i'm loving it!

"They seem to be using the top deep as a honey super, filling the cells with nectar/syrup and not brood. Is this a problem?"

not a problem ted, what scott said. this is a first year colony? they have to draw that deep and fill it, the queen might lay up a little in the center frames, but if she doesn't i wouldn't be concerned about it, they will need the stores for wintering.

i have a question, why are you feeding a protein or pollen patty?

tedh · « **Reply #49 on:** July 14, 2014, 08:37:33 am »

Hey Riverbee! Yes this is a first year colony. My son told me to buy some pollen patties (back in Feb.) in anticipation of receiving the bees in May. The salesman seemed a little dubious, "they may not take them, but, it won't hurt to put one in there". "If they take it great if not it doesn't hurt to leave it in there". Or, words to that effect. So to answer your question, um, a, because I have them? Ted

After submitting this post I began to think my answer might have sounded rather flippant. I assure you all that was not my intention. A more correct answer is that I was hoping to help the girls along any way I could. Thanks, Ted

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #50 on:** July 14, 2014, 08:57:19 am »

No local SHB.. hoping beyond hope that I never get to see one in person..

riverbee · « **Reply #51 on:** July 14, 2014, 11:53:50 am »

"Hey Riverbee! Yes this is a first year colony. My son told me to buy some pollen patties (back in Feb.) in anticipation of receiving the bees in May. The salesman seemed a little dubious, "they may not take them, but, it won't hurt to put one in there". "If they take it great if not it doesn't hurt to leave it in there". Or, words to that effect. After submitting this post I began to think my answer might have sounded rather flippant. I assure you all that was not my intention. A more correct answer is that I was hoping to help the girls along any way I could."

ted your reply did not sound flippant at all. the salesperson was right, they probably weren't necessary to start your new colony. when there is available pollen, the bees prefer the natural and will ignore the supplements. if they get really annoyed with it being in the hive, they will chew at it and deposit it out the front door.

just my HO, i would pull those off, and save what you have left for next spring, they can be frozen.

tedh · « **Reply #52 on:** July 14, 2014, 12:37:46 pm »

Thanks for the input Riverbee! My plan for after this cold front (2 or 3 days) will be to remove the reducer, keeping an eye out for feral hives robbing (I only have the one hive) and remove the pollen patty, freezing it along with the rest of the box until next spring. Sound good? Thanks, Ted

riverbee · « **Reply #53 on:** July 14, 2014, 11:58:06 pm »

your welcome ted, that's just my two cents about the pollen patties this time of year.... sure is cold isn't it! just dang crazy weather! yep, i have frozen the patties in zip loc bags, ordered extra and not needed them but use them the next spring.......

sounds good to me!!!

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #54 on:** July 15, 2014, 12:02:37 am »

Sorry I couldnt advise on the pollen patties.. I tried to make some with Ultra bee pollen sub, sugar and water...

WOW!!! I know what to use to fix the mortar on my brick building now!! We used those for hockey pucks on the pond last winter... Worked really well but were kinda hard on the plastic paddles on the end of the hickey sticks...

tedh · « **Reply #55 on:** July 16, 2014, 04:09:23 pm »

Here's another question: Yesterday I found what I think was a larva laying in front of the hive. I wasn't to bothered by it, I figured things happen. Today I found another one. Yesterdays was just kind of a white blob but, today's I could see the head so I know that it was a bee, or at least would have been. Two dead larva in two days? Is this anything to worry about? Thanks, Ted

Jen · « **Reply #56 on:** July 16, 2014, 04:14:52 pm »

Hi Ted- I do know that this time of year the bees are ridding the hive of drones and drone brood, just saw a pic from some friends in Indiana who sit and watch the bees drag out drone larvae, they pick it up and go fishing with it, Ha! or the birds use it feed their chicks.

tedh · « **Reply #57 on:** July 16, 2014, 05:25:32 pm »

Thanks Jen! There were no adult drones and some (not many) capped drone cells last time I checked. It makes sense. Ted

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #58 on:** July 16, 2014, 07:32:32 pm »

Maybe they had a mite on them and the bees pulled them from cells. They got chilled in the night time temps etc.. Quite a lot of reasons this can happen to be honest. If you see a LOT of larvae getting taken out there could be a problem, a few are normal.

riverbee · « **Reply #59 on:** July 17, 2014, 12:42:58 am »

ted, like scott said, could be anything, and it is most likely normal, hygienic behavior. chilled? hard to say? my guess is hygienic from mites or maybe something else that the larvae hadn't developed properly?. chilled you would see more than two i would think. if you had chalkbrood somewhere on a frame, you would see more, but this is also normal hygienic behavior by the bees.