Tuesday, March 29, 2016
I have three hives this year. One was (a) a swarm I caught last year, (b) one was a package (that swarmed and that's (a)) and (c) one was another package. I already had a super on (a). I had feeders on (b) and (c). I took the feeders off of (b) and (c) this afternoon because they weren't taking the syrup, and put supers on them. (b) got a super with bare frames because it was stronger and (c) got a super with drawn comb because it was weaker. I also put a robber screen on (c) just because I don't want it bothered by the others. I didn't have time this afternoon for a full inspection. Hopefully next week I can pull brood frames out and give them a good look.
Sunday, April 27, 2014
Time to make the honey!
Went out today and got the MAQS out of the hives. Put a super on each one. Cleaned the SHB
trays under the hives. Ready for honey now! I saw some clover blooming
in the yard today. I'm optimistic. Of course, now the weather is
going to be stormy for the next three days. Just my luck. But maybe
they'll clean/straighten the comb that's in the supers, and draw some
out on a few bare frames I put in there.
SHB tray after mite treatment:
Top Brood Box:
Bottom brood box with MAQS:
Super and inner cover on:
Dad putting the lid on the second hive:
The work wagon after working the hives:
SHB tray after mite treatment:
Top Brood Box:
Bottom brood box with MAQS:
Super and inner cover on:
Dad putting the lid on the second hive:
The work wagon after working the hives:
Monday, April 21, 2014
Mite Away Quick Strips
This morning Dad and I put in Mite Away Quick Strips (MAQS) for mite control. We placed two strips in each bottom brood box and put the hive back together. We took the entrance reducer out per the instructions. It will be interesting to see the mite drop in a week.
The boxes were bursting with bees! It was a welcome sight to see, especially after a suspected swarm moving out recently. I was pretty downhearted after that swarm got away, but today restored my optimism for a good honey year. Hopefully next week we'll get honey supers on and stop feeding the bees and start getting the good stuff.
Sorry I didn't get any pictures. I'll try to not be in such a hurry next week when we take the strips off.
The boxes were bursting with bees! It was a welcome sight to see, especially after a suspected swarm moving out recently. I was pretty downhearted after that swarm got away, but today restored my optimism for a good honey year. Hopefully next week we'll get honey supers on and stop feeding the bees and start getting the good stuff.
Sorry I didn't get any pictures. I'll try to not be in such a hurry next week when we take the strips off.
Sunday, April 13, 2014
Happiness turns to heartbreak turns to hope
There was a swarm in a dogwood tree close to the hives afternoon.
It's probably from one of my hives. The one I suspect seemed mean the
other day when we were in it, but they may have just been getting ready
to swarm.
Anyway, my back has been acting up so I had to get Dad to do most of the work. I wasn't sure what we needed to do. The step ladders we have are too short to really work on this swarm, but we gave it the old college try.
I placed a box on the ground under the swarm, so if he could cut the limbs they were on, we could just put them into the box and be done with it.
When he got up there and got ahold of the limb, he moved it a little trying to get the lopper where he could cut it. The bees all flew off.
I left the box with a swarm lure under the limb where they were. There might be a chance they'll return to that spot.
I have another box with swarm lure about 150 yards away towards my house. Maybe they'll go there instead.
I guess I need to watch more swarm capture videos. It seemed to me like all you had to do was cut they limb they were on and put them in a box. I wasn't expecting them to fly away like that.
Anyway, my back has been acting up so I had to get Dad to do most of the work. I wasn't sure what we needed to do. The step ladders we have are too short to really work on this swarm, but we gave it the old college try.
I placed a box on the ground under the swarm, so if he could cut the limbs they were on, we could just put them into the box and be done with it.
When he got up there and got ahold of the limb, he moved it a little trying to get the lopper where he could cut it. The bees all flew off.
I left the box with a swarm lure under the limb where they were. There might be a chance they'll return to that spot.
I have another box with swarm lure about 150 yards away towards my house. Maybe they'll go there instead.
I guess I need to watch more swarm capture videos. It seemed to me like all you had to do was cut they limb they were on and put them in a box. I wasn't expecting them to fly away like that.
Saturday, April 5, 2014
I've got bees!
Lots and lots and lots of bees! One of the hives didn't seem too busy
coming and going, but when I went into the hive, there were thousands of
bees everywhere! I was so happy. I finally got some through the
winter. However, the top super where I thought they'd all be was still
full of capped syrup/honey from last fall.
The other hive was the same way. Lots of bees and the top super was full of syrup/honey, too.
We did find the queen and brood in the middle box in each hive. We put those boxes on the bottom and the other deep on top of that, and replaced the mediums back on top of those. I've got to check the weather. It's still too cool for a fume board, but I do have some escapes. I might put them on for a couple of days so that I can get all the bees out of those top supers. I'm not sure yet what I'll do with those supers, but I can't have them on the hives when I medicate. And I have plans to use Mite Away Quick Strips next week before the flow starts.
But I'm so happy that I have bees!!!
This is a frame from the brood box. It has some capped syrup/honey, too:
You can't see it very well, but there's some capped honey around the edges, but this frame is full of capped brood:
On each picture on the top and bottom of the frames you can see drone brood. I didn't notice any mites on the drone, but I did see some mites in the removable tray in the bottom.
The other hive was the same way. Lots of bees and the top super was full of syrup/honey, too.
We did find the queen and brood in the middle box in each hive. We put those boxes on the bottom and the other deep on top of that, and replaced the mediums back on top of those. I've got to check the weather. It's still too cool for a fume board, but I do have some escapes. I might put them on for a couple of days so that I can get all the bees out of those top supers. I'm not sure yet what I'll do with those supers, but I can't have them on the hives when I medicate. And I have plans to use Mite Away Quick Strips next week before the flow starts.
But I'm so happy that I have bees!!!
This is a frame from the brood box. It has some capped syrup/honey, too:
You can't see it very well, but there's some capped honey around the edges, but this frame is full of capped brood:
On each picture on the top and bottom of the frames you can see drone brood. I didn't notice any mites on the drone, but I did see some mites in the removable tray in the bottom.
Saturday, March 29, 2014
New Year - New Posts
It's been a busy year so far and I haven't had time to work on this blog lately. I got razzed a little bit for that Thursday night at the Cherokee Beekeepers Association meeting, so I figured I'd better get on the stick and catch up. There's been a lot of things happening, and I'll try to catch you up.
On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, The Cherokee Beekeepers Association, Athens, TN held it's annual Short Course for Beekeepers. It was held at the McMinn County High School. Below is a list of presenters and topics:
2014 Short Course Presenters:
9:30-10:15 a.m. (WHY)
Keynote Speaker, Charlie Parton, President Tennessee Beekeepers Association
So You Want to be a Beekeeper?
10:45-11:30 a.m. (WHAT)
Getting to know honey bees
Anatomy
Honey bee activities inside the hive
Honey bee activities outside the hive
Presenter(s): Lynda Rizzardi, Executive Vice-President Tennessee Beekeepers Association
1:00-1:50 p.m. Two Concurrent Sessions: HOW/WHERE, WHEN
(HOW/WHERE)
The role of the beekeeper
Intro to hive/beekeeping equipment, tools, protective clothing
How to cope with stings
Suggestions about lifting
Location, location, location
Time commitments
Space/storage requirements
Presenter(s): Nancy Howard & Greg Whitehead
(WHEN)
Getting honey bees
The first year
The second year
Management: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Pests and diseases
Presenter(s): Jim Gentry, Bobbie Burtz
2:00-2:50 p.m. Repeat of Concurrent Sessions above
3:00-3:30 p.m. Panel/Open Floor to address remaining questions
Jim Gentry
Nancy Howard
Mike Coulter
Myron McCleary
I did a presentation on safety and how to try to protect your back. I figured since I was down for a month last spring when everything needed doing that I knew first hand how it felt and the effects on your bee yard.
A super full of frames full of honey is heavy. A 10-frame deep weighs 70 - 80 pounds. Plus you have to pry it off the lower box and then lift it in an awkward position.
My idea was to build a 10-frame deep, but instead of honey-filled frames, I'd put concrete blocks, so that an accurate training aid would be presented.
I had an extra box, so me and dad cut up a 2x4 and attached the pieces to the bottom of the box. I wanted it to be sturdy enough to hold the weight and not tear the box up.
The box ended up weighing 72 pounds. I encouraged people to try to pick it up. My thought was that it was better for someone to know what it was like before they bought a bunch of equipment. I'd hate for someone to invest a lot of money just to find out that they couldn't lift the boxes when they were full of honey.
I estimated that there were around 120 people attended (not counting CBA members and other volunteers). There were great presentations on a variety of subjects. Lynda Rizzardi, former president of the Tennessee Beekeepers Association, gave another one of her always-motivational presentations. She never fails to keep your attention, and it's always interesting and informative.
There were displays of equipment, catalogs, vendor information, and lunch and refreshments. I had a great time, and I think everyone did. If you didn't make it this year, plan on attending one next year. You never know who you'll run in to or what you'll learn!
On February 27th we had our first regular meeting of the year and over 90 people showed up! I wish I had thought to take a picture of the crowd! We didn't have enough chairs. Lots of folks wanting to try beekeeping! I know many of them will decide not to, but it's a good sign that there's so much interest.
Our group had four state hive grant winners this year. They have to join and attend meetings for at least two years, and donate some of their honey (when they get some) back to the association. They get a starter hive kit, veil, gloves, jacket, smoker, hive took, etc. One of them lives pretty far north from Athens, and since I was the closest one, I was assigned to mentor that winner. Luckily, there's another member that has been doing bees for over thirty years that lives down the street from me, so we'll both be available to assist. The grant winners are really nice people, and I look forward to sharing their upcoming adventure.
On March 27th, we were privileged to have Jim Garrison give a presentation on Pollen and Nectar Sources. He is a dynamic speaker and explained a lot of things about plants, nectar and pollen. Since I recently purchased the adjoining 5 acres next to my 5.5 acres, I plan on getting the bush hog attached to the tractor and preparing the field next door for bee forage. It won't be an all-at-once thing. It will happen over several years. But hopefully I can add a lot of things the bees will like.
Cherokee Beekeepers Association Short Course
On Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014, The Cherokee Beekeepers Association, Athens, TN held it's annual Short Course for Beekeepers. It was held at the McMinn County High School. Below is a list of presenters and topics:
2014 Short Course Presenters:
9:30-10:15 a.m. (WHY)
Keynote Speaker, Charlie Parton, President Tennessee Beekeepers Association
So You Want to be a Beekeeper?
10:45-11:30 a.m. (WHAT)
Getting to know honey bees
Anatomy
Honey bee activities inside the hive
Honey bee activities outside the hive
Presenter(s): Lynda Rizzardi, Executive Vice-President Tennessee Beekeepers Association
1:00-1:50 p.m. Two Concurrent Sessions: HOW/WHERE, WHEN
(HOW/WHERE)
The role of the beekeeper
Intro to hive/beekeeping equipment, tools, protective clothing
How to cope with stings
Suggestions about lifting
Location, location, location
Time commitments
Space/storage requirements
Presenter(s): Nancy Howard & Greg Whitehead
(WHEN)
Getting honey bees
The first year
The second year
Management: Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter
Pests and diseases
Presenter(s): Jim Gentry, Bobbie Burtz
2:00-2:50 p.m. Repeat of Concurrent Sessions above
3:00-3:30 p.m. Panel/Open Floor to address remaining questions
Jim Gentry
Nancy Howard
Mike Coulter
Myron McCleary
I did a presentation on safety and how to try to protect your back. I figured since I was down for a month last spring when everything needed doing that I knew first hand how it felt and the effects on your bee yard.
A super full of frames full of honey is heavy. A 10-frame deep weighs 70 - 80 pounds. Plus you have to pry it off the lower box and then lift it in an awkward position.
My idea was to build a 10-frame deep, but instead of honey-filled frames, I'd put concrete blocks, so that an accurate training aid would be presented.
I had an extra box, so me and dad cut up a 2x4 and attached the pieces to the bottom of the box. I wanted it to be sturdy enough to hold the weight and not tear the box up.
Installing the 2 x 4s
Cutting the top and bottom
Adding the blocks
Cutting the shims to stabilize the blocks
The box ended up weighing 72 pounds. I encouraged people to try to pick it up. My thought was that it was better for someone to know what it was like before they bought a bunch of equipment. I'd hate for someone to invest a lot of money just to find out that they couldn't lift the boxes when they were full of honey.
I estimated that there were around 120 people attended (not counting CBA members and other volunteers). There were great presentations on a variety of subjects. Lynda Rizzardi, former president of the Tennessee Beekeepers Association, gave another one of her always-motivational presentations. She never fails to keep your attention, and it's always interesting and informative.
There were displays of equipment, catalogs, vendor information, and lunch and refreshments. I had a great time, and I think everyone did. If you didn't make it this year, plan on attending one next year. You never know who you'll run in to or what you'll learn!
A good crowd
Equipment Display
CBA President Gwen Lane
Attentive audience
I even got my picture in the local newspaper!
February Meeting
On February 27th we had our first regular meeting of the year and over 90 people showed up! I wish I had thought to take a picture of the crowd! We didn't have enough chairs. Lots of folks wanting to try beekeeping! I know many of them will decide not to, but it's a good sign that there's so much interest.
Our group had four state hive grant winners this year. They have to join and attend meetings for at least two years, and donate some of their honey (when they get some) back to the association. They get a starter hive kit, veil, gloves, jacket, smoker, hive took, etc. One of them lives pretty far north from Athens, and since I was the closest one, I was assigned to mentor that winner. Luckily, there's another member that has been doing bees for over thirty years that lives down the street from me, so we'll both be available to assist. The grant winners are really nice people, and I look forward to sharing their upcoming adventure.
March Meeting
On March 27th, we were privileged to have Jim Garrison give a presentation on Pollen and Nectar Sources. He is a dynamic speaker and explained a lot of things about plants, nectar and pollen. Since I recently purchased the adjoining 5 acres next to my 5.5 acres, I plan on getting the bush hog attached to the tractor and preparing the field next door for bee forage. It won't be an all-at-once thing. It will happen over several years. But hopefully I can add a lot of things the bees will like.
Near-term plans for the bee hives
It was an extremely cold winter, but I still have two out of three hives left, and they seem to be doing well. I gave them a pollen patty the week before last and when I popped the lid for a peek, they were going after it. Of course things are starting to bloom now, so there's pollen becoming available.
It's supposed to rain today and tomorrow, so hopefully Sunday I can get into the hives and rearrange some boxes. I hope to treat for mites in a week or so after they settle down from this weekend's inspection.
Hopefully I'll be updating the blog and posting pictures. Stay tuned!
Monday, November 18, 2013
Ready For Winter
The top feeders and robber screens are off the hives now and the entrance reducers are set to the smallest opening.
The SHB oil pans are empty and clean and reinserted. The telescoping covers are slid forward so the inner-cover notch is exposed. I am hoping there's enough clearance around the oil pans in the bottom that there will be sufficient ventilation in the hive like this, while keeping it warm inside.
The hives are too heavy to lift, so I'm thinking there's enough stores for the winter.
In Febuary, I'll try to lift the hives and peep inside to see if they need sugar (mountain camp method).
The next couple of months will be good for inventory, repair, maintenance, and planning.
Have a great winter everyone and I hope your hives make it to next spring!
The SHB oil pans are empty and clean and reinserted. The telescoping covers are slid forward so the inner-cover notch is exposed. I am hoping there's enough clearance around the oil pans in the bottom that there will be sufficient ventilation in the hive like this, while keeping it warm inside.
The hives are too heavy to lift, so I'm thinking there's enough stores for the winter.
In Febuary, I'll try to lift the hives and peep inside to see if they need sugar (mountain camp method).
The next couple of months will be good for inventory, repair, maintenance, and planning.
Have a great winter everyone and I hope your hives make it to next spring!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)