Author Topic: New packages (Read 7559 times)

Curtchann · « **on:** May 05, 2015, 10:58:02 am »

Got my bees today. 52 and rainy. Looks like no install today, I guess they will have to ride it out in the garage until tomorrow. Suppose to be in the 70's.

Papakeith · « **Reply #1 on:** May 05, 2015, 10:59:42 am »

How rainy? I'd be tempted to dump them in and close them up if it were just drizzling. Or, have some friends hold a tarp over me while I hived them. I'm just not a fan of keeping them in the cage more than necessary.

Curtchann · « **Reply #2 on:** May 05, 2015, 11:04:53 am »

Light sprinkle, didn't know if the low temp would affect them.

Curtchann · « **Reply #3 on:** May 05, 2015, 12:34:09 pm »

Their all in, moving a little slow. Have a handful still in the box not willing to be shaken out. Can hear the hive a buzzing. Queen cage had no candy in it, just cork. They were already building comb in the package.

Papakeith · « **Reply #4 on:** May 05, 2015, 01:54:14 pm »

for those that won't be shaken out I put an extra empty deep on top of the inner cover and placed the package box inside upsidedown. by the next morning they all made their way out of the package.

Perry · « **Reply #5 on:** May 05, 2015, 04:16:42 pm »

Sometimes perfect weather is not the greatest when hiving packages. Lots of drifting can occur if you are doing any number of them.

Bakersdozen · « **Reply #6 on:** May 05, 2015, 04:40:46 pm »

Papa and Perry are right on target. The comb they had started is a sign tbey had been in the package a while. One should get them in the hive as soon as possible. It's less stressful for them and the queen. Sometimes they they ake a cleansing flight when you try to install them. I think that is a sign of being in the package awhile too.

Ray · « **Reply #7 on:** May 05, 2015, 06:49:59 pm »

Good luck! Did you release the queen?

Curtchann · « **Reply #8 on:** May 05, 2015, 08:34:56 pm »

I installed the queen cage and let her come out when she wants. When I put the inner on they were spread out among the frames. Not the most ideal package release, but went better than I expected.

Bakersdozen · « **Reply #9 on:** May 05, 2015, 09:40:40 pm »

Did I understand correctly, curtchann? You released her right away? Maybe I am overly cautious. I will wait at least 3 days before releasing the queen. I don't remove the cork even if there is candy in there. I want to see her go down into the hive. Just before releasing I check her over to make sure they are not agitated at her, trying to bite her, etc. I have never had a queen rejected when installing a package, but there is always a first time. Knock on wood.

Curtchann · « **Reply #10 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:23:00 am »

Yes, I released her into the hive. Will have to wait and see now.

Papakeith · « **Reply #11 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:25:34 am »

If they were building out comb. I'll bet she'll be OK. They had probably been with her a couple of days by then.

tefer2 · « **Reply #12 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:37:09 am »

I'd say they have been in the cage for 4 or 5 days already.
Coming from California takes that long to drive over to Michigan.
They already know that she is their queen and will accept her into the hive.
Keep feed on them while they are building comb.
We are into our flow now and that should also help them along.
The fun starts now Curt!

Curtchann · « **Reply #13 on:** May 06, 2015, 09:59:37 am »

I made a 4 quart feeder for each hive and have 2+ gallons ready to go. Suppose to warm up today and tomorrow. Poor little buggers were not happy with yesterday's temps.

tefer2 · « **Reply #14 on:** May 06, 2015, 10:24:52 am »

Curt, 4 quart jar feeder in an empty hive box?
Was syrup can empty when you hived them?

Curtchann · « **Reply #15 on:** May 06, 2015, 12:39:50 pm »

Yes, I put the 4 quart feeder in the empty hive box. I made a little stand that holds the 4 quart jars up. Syrup cans were half empty, I put that into the jars with the 1:1 that I mixed up. They are pretty active today, going in and out. I have a picture of the comb in the box also.

Newbee · « **Reply #16 on:** May 06, 2015, 03:53:33 pm »

Quote from: Bakersdozen on May 05, 2015, 04:40:46 pm

Sometimes they they ake a cleansing flight when you try to install them. I think that is a sign of being in the package awhile too.

LOL! I can attest….
I'm still a complete Newbie, but I got to see one of the folks from the local beekeeper's hive a package @ last months' meeting, and as soon as she opened things up, a bunch went for a flight, I heard the experienced Beeks laugh and say "Lookout…"

…. and then I had to brush a bunch of little wet spots off my jacket?

They'd been cooped up for 3-days in the box.

And THAT was my first experience w/ hiving a package of bee's. LOL!

- K

Curtchann · « **Reply #17 on:** May 13, 2015, 11:50:17 am »

Did my first hive inspections. Removed some burr comb from the top of frames. One hive had the hole on the inner almost plugged. So far they have used a half gallon of syrup mix in each hive. They have drawn out about 6 frames each. Hope the weather warms up a little more. A little less rain would be nice too!

efmesch · « **Reply #18 on:** May 13, 2015, 02:00:57 pm »

From your description, it sounds like you are doing things the right way, and the bees are showing their appreciation. Here's to the start of a great season.

Ray · « **Reply #19 on:** May 13, 2015, 07:50:41 pm »

We have some cold weather coming, so keep feeding.
I'm a little worried with the apple trees running about 30% open blossoms and frost warning out.
The fruit trees in the swamps should (with a little luck) produce for us.
Sounds like your off to a good start. Good luck