Plans for packages have changed. I'm ordering my own from Buckeye Bee in Ohio, while other club members are staying local(ish). I may drive down there, 350 miles each way, if another club member wants to go along for the ride. I think it would be fun to see a big operation.
I've ordered five packages of small cell bees to save me the pain of getting large cell bees downsized. This has brought about some skepticism on some discussion groups, where small cell is not accepted as a mite control. And, of course, being a new beekeeper, no one is going to give much weight to anything I have to say.
That's ok. I myself don't know whether small cell beekeeping works, though it seems to work quite well for others. What I do know is that it can't hurt, unlike the chemical strips people put in their hives. Small cell bees draw foundation a bit smaller, and are a bit smaller themselves. The worst that can happen is that it won't work, and they'll die. Or that it will work, and they'll die, since colonies can die of a lot of things.
What won't happen is contaminated wax and honey. While everyone is warned not to use those chemical strips during a nectar flow, I have my doubts that large beekeepers always get them out in time. I also doubt that they segregate brood comb from honey super comb--so that contaminated wax may be storing honey.
I am not trying to alarmist. I have no idea whether or how minute amounts of those chemicals affect humans or bees. What I do know is that if they aren't necessary, I don't see the point.
I checked on my remaining colony a couple of days ago. Back in early January, when we had an uncharacteristic warm spell, the bees were out flying and drinking water from the side of the hive.
Now they are definitely huddled inside against the zero and below temps. I cracked the lid and pushed in a sugar board for them, which got their attention. As did the ruckous, since several bees flew out to protect the nest. I'm a little surprised that they are so active in this cold.
These girls have attitude! They were such a gentle hive all summer until fall. And now they are furies, ready to protect their nest and queen against all comers.
For the coming week, we will continue to have temperatures around 0 F, and windchills as low as -30 F.
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8 comments:
I really like your Bee Yard.I sounds like you have a place to put your bees.I'm in los angeles in a apartment I have my bees at a community garden by Dodger Stadium.I have three hives one swarm I got the 10th of Jan I've been feeding it and also put a pollen patty in from Mann Lakes I put the third gallon of syrup in this morning .The bees have three frames drawn and eggs in them so they are takeing of very well.I talked to a bee removal guy at the supply house thursday he said he removes about 25 - 30 swarms each spring in the Hollywood hills wow>I have a hive that is in a desk aguy wants removed and a hive in a 55 gallon drum that is on its side and half barried so I have worked out getting bees without buying them I have three now and I'm hopeing to get honey this year
kirk-o
You Know Bees wigle there wings and move about that helps them stay warm.In the American Bee Journal I read about useing a quail watering bottle set on top of the frames some people use a gallon pickle bottle then cover with a empty super.I use this metod because the bees can feed down to 32 degrees and it prevents robing I've rescued bees in the fall and what is called winter in L A here and this method works so well especially on weak hives and new swarms I have had bees take a gallon every other day for a week through in a pollen patty from Mann Lakes and your set I love your Blog
Don't be discouraged by all the anti-small cell folks. Some seem to be set very much in their ways and not open for other ideas. I have heard pros and cons of small cell, but I have always found I like to try things and get my own opinions. Good luck and I'm interested in watching your results.
I think you are on the right track, Lesli. There is way too much chemical dependency in 'modern' beekeeping - I am also going organic/chemical free as I believe it is the only long term solution to infection and infestation problems.
BTW - I work at Buckfast Abbey in the UK
I envy you working at Buckfast! A life among the bees sounds pretty heavenly to me. For now, it's my full time job (which I also enjoy) that allows me to pursue this as hobby.
I like your blog and the info you have Lesli. I just recently ventured into blogging and love it. I am constantly on the lookout for more info on
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