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

[Happy Chooks]

Have the experienced beekeepers shared their stories of starting their first hives lately? Ours are coming next week, Lord willing and I wonder what stories and lessons you may be willing to share. Or if you have already done so, a link?

I'm not that experienced, but in the fall you can feed 2:1 sugar to water to help them store more for winter. My bees won't fly until it's 45 degrees, so don't feed if it's colder. I learned about mite treatment my first year also. I didn't treat for mites and I lost all of my bees the first winter.

 

[vahomesteaders]

I made a crappy video of putting a new hive together. Its a bit different since we are not fans of the top bar hives. Just more work and harder to extract than a Lang. But you can get the jist on what to expect from and how to handle the bees. Setup is key. Having everything needed on hand to keep them happy and working is important.

 

[OHhappychicks]

YaaaY!! A friend just called to tell me they might have a swarm for me!! It is in a tree that has fell down, so they have to go and saw it up to get to the bees, and then wait a few days until the swarm goes in to the box. Maybe early next week! Hooray!!!

I hope they can get it. She sounded pretty positive.

 

[Happy Chooks]

YaaaY!! A friend just called to tell me they might have a swarm for me!! It is in a tree that has fell down, so they have to go and saw it up to get to the bees, and then wait a few days until the swarm goes in to the box. Maybe early next week! Hooray!!!

I hope they can get it. She sounded pretty positive.

That is great news!

 

[OHhappychicks]

Does anyone use the slanted landing board hive stand and if so, any plans on making one?

 

[Amiga]

I made a crappy video of putting a new hive together. Its a bit different since we are not fans of the top bar hives. Just more work and harder to extract than a Lang. But you can get the jist on what to expect from and how to handle the bees. Setup is key. Having everything needed on hand to keep them happy and working is important.

Thanks! I like that you have figured out that the queen cage won't fall in if you have the package on its side. Other than that, very similar to what I did yesterday. I used a thumb tack to attach the ribbon for the queen cage onto a top bar. They had already made a bunch of comb more than half the size of my hand - on the queen cage. I took that off, and pulled the cork. Did not poke at the candy - it looked like it was already on its way out, anyway.

Our hive has an observation window. I let them bee today, tomorrow a.m. I plan to take a look.

 

[vahomesteaders]

Thanks! I like that you have figured out that the queen cage won't fall in if you have the package on its side. Other than that, very similar to what I did yesterday. I used a thumb tack to attach the ribbon for the queen cage onto a top bar. They had already made a bunch of comb more than half the size of my hand - on the queen cage. I took that off, and pulled the cork. Did not poke at the candy - it looked like it was already on its way out, anyway.

Our hive has an observation window. I let them bee today, tomorrow a.m. I plan to take a look.

Thats great! Take some pics and let us see. I love bee keeping. Its such a joy with so many benefits to your family and farm. The flowers, trees and garden will reward you also!

 

[Amiga]

Thats great! Take some pics and let us see. I love bee keeping. Its such a joy with so many benefits to your family and farm. The flowers, trees and garden will reward you also!

Thanks for the encouragement!

We have some photos that need to be uploaded . . . been busy making sure the electric fence is working properly . . . last night was a long one, I thought I had fried something and it turns out - nah, not really.

But this morning the bees and the hive appeared fine. I hope to have something to share soon (my camera person has been working on transferring the files from the phone and camera . . . .

My reasons for beekeeping are helping the bees, helping plants that need pollinators - especially food and medicinal plants, the possibility of harvesting wax, and honey.

 

[vahomesteaders]

Just be sure to check to make sure the queen is out in about 48 hours. Sometimes they pack that box so full they cant get out.

 

[vahomesteaders]

Thanks for the encouragement!

We have some photos that need to be uploaded . . . been busy making sure the electric fence is working properly . . . last night was a long one, I thought I had fried something and it turns out - nah, not really.

But this morning the bees and the hive appeared fine. I hope to have something to share soon (my camera person has been working on transferring the files from the phone and camera . . . .

My reasons for beekeeping are helping the bees, helping plants that need pollinators - especially food and medicinal plants, the possibility of harvesting wax, and honey.

We grow alot of medicinal plants as well. Infact we dont go to the doctor unless there is no other option. The bees will help pay for themselves in many ways. We own a woodworking company. I build custome furniture and decorative items. I use the beeswax and linseed oil for finish for bowls and cutting boards. We also use it for salves and lip balm. The honey on a good harvest will last all year with plenty left over to sell. And at about $12-$15 a pound in my area it adds up quick.