A BEE thread....for those interested in beekeeping.

[mak1]

Buy a nuc. In the spring time they will grow real fast and will produce honey that same year. Most beekeepers sell of their black disgusting frames. Buy new and you won't regret.

 

[Bugseye]

Chicapee, sounds like you're in good shape for advisement.

 

[copper2]

I don't think my bees are surviving the winter . They haven't filled out all 10 frames, and they have honey stores but almost no brood. I think it's the queen, but I can't find her, I did see a hive beetle. No one is selling queens anymore, and I'll be surprised if they survive.

 

[copper2]

There's not even one whole frame of brood

 

[copper2]

Or half

 

[tmoore8595]

There's not even one whole frame of brood

There should be very little, or no brood this time of year.

 

[copper2]

Oh, really? There was barely any! My bees are a italian/ buckfast hybrid I think, I got them from bee weaver

 

[Honey Maid]

Where in Texas are you? I'm in N. Calif, zone 7a, and my bees are all tucked in for the winter, have been for about a month now. You may want to see if you can find a keeper in your area, or try: Beesource.com and ask there. Here it's winter time, and, hopefully they don't have any brood. Just because you can't find your queen doesn't mean she isn't there. Don't panic and go disturbing them too much.

 

[copper2]

I'm in zone 8 in dripping springs Tx. Thank you so much I forgot completely that winter bees live longer! I'll continue feeding!!!!!!!!!

 

[mak1]

Your lucky you have brood. Don't even try to find the queen. Almost impossible because they are in a ball.