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Author Topic: Solstice-Happy Bee New Year  (Read 5319 times)

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Offline Jacobs

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Solstice-Happy Bee New Year
« on: December 21, 2013, 07:05:21 am »
With daylight lengthening each day, queens can start ramping up with spring brood at any time in our area.  With the poor summer we had, all of my hives are weaker going into winter than they have been in the last few years.  Shortly after new year, I am planning to stimulate brood rearing in my back yard hives.  I hope to have strong populations here to use to boost some of my hives in other locations.
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Offline Perry

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Re: Solstice-Happy Bee New Year
« Reply #1 on: December 21, 2013, 07:14:15 am »
Yes, hard to imagine the days getting any shorter. Another month or so before we start to see any queen activity up here though.
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Gypsi

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Re: Solstice-Happy Bee New Year
« Reply #2 on: December 21, 2013, 10:38:12 am »
My bee club suggests syrup feeding starting January first. Not sure if I will that early, maybe on nice days only. This year I left the extra hive boxes with telescoping covers over my feeder lids, so putting syrup on won't involve opening the hive...

I put fondant with pollen sub on yesterday, as I have every couple of weeks on nice days. One of my hives is strong, but hot. The others don't have the numbers I would like to see.
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Offline Slowmodem

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Re: Solstice-Happy Bee New Year
« Reply #3 on: December 21, 2013, 11:29:52 am »
Today is the shortest day of the year.  They only get longer now until June.  I have always wondered why the Solstice isn't celebrated as New Year's Day.  January 1st seems arbitrary to me.

It is said that on the solstice you can stand an egg on it's side.  (think about it, it'll come to you).
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Greg Whitehead
Ten Mile, TN
Beekeeping at 26.4 kbs

Offline Riverrat

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Re: Solstice-Happy Bee New Year
« Reply #4 on: December 21, 2013, 12:52:47 pm »
Modem I hve heard that put have yet to see it done. Pics anyone
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Offline Slowmodem

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Re: Solstice-Happy Bee New Year
« Reply #5 on: December 21, 2013, 01:38:58 pm »
Quote from: "MinnieMo"
Modem I hve heard that put have yet to see it done. Pics anyone

Compare that to standing an egg on it's end on the equinox.  :)
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Greg Whitehead
Ten Mile, TN
Beekeeping at 26.4 kbs
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