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

[zzGypsy]

Quote:
Can I bring the horses, chickens and cats too???

why yes, you can! I've got guest rooms for them too!

 

[heritagebirds]

I lost my colony at the end of last summer. The inspector said that likely the queen died. I had the hive for two summers, so it was a real shame. Got to get a new package in the spring, try , try again!

 

[Caat]

I'm getting my Supers and colonies this spring! I'm really excited! I'm setting up 2 hives!

 

[NevadaRon]

I lost my colony at the end of last summer. The inspector said that likely the queen died. I had the hive for two summers, so it was a real shame. Got to get a new package in the spring, try , try again!

How awful! Don't hives usually produce a new queen when one dies? Is there any way you could have known and gotten another queen to replace it? Sorry for the questions but I'm a newb and looking to get some myself this spring.

 

[sgtmom52]

How awful! Don't hives usually produce a new queen when one dies? Is there any way you could have known and gotten another queen to replace it? Sorry for the questions but I'm a newb and looking to get some myself this spring.

The hive can produce a new queen if there are eggs or day old larva present in the hive. If there are no eggs or only older larva (which is possible later in the year) the hive will die if there is no queen to replace the workers as they die from old age. If you noticed and catch it in time you could obtain a new queen and keep the hive going ~ a lot depends on where you live and the weather too. It is more difficult in the colder north areas.

 

[Happy Chooks]

DH and I have been thinking about bees for a few years now. We finally took the plunge and bought a hive and ordered a Nuc. They were out of some of the gear in my size, so I'll pick that up when I pick up the Nuc box.

We'll start with 1 hive and then add another next year if all goes well. The honey will certainly be a bonus, but we really wanted them to pollinate our orchard and garden.

 

[zzGypsy]

Quote:

DH and I have been thinking about bees for a few years now. We finally took the plunge and bought a hive and ordered a Nuc. They were out of some of the gear in my size, so I'll pick that up when I pick up the Nuc box.

We'll start with 1 hive and then add another next year if all goes well. The honey will certainly be a bonus, but we really wanted them to pollinate our orchard and garden.

cool!

you may want to look at getting a second hive early in your first year - that way you have a backup if there are issues with one hive, and can compare how one hive is doing against the other. that's a great way to find out how your hive(s) are doing - if they're not doing pretty similar things, (amounts of buildup, etc.) you'll know you've got an issue with one and it's a clue to find out what you need to do to help them do better.

 

[sgtmom52]

Quote:

cool!

you may want to look at getting a second hive early in your first year - that way you have a backup if there are issues with one hive, and can compare how one hive is doing against the other. that's a great way to find out how your hive(s) are doing - if they're not doing pretty similar things, (amounts of buildup, etc.) you'll know you've got an issue with one and it's a clue to find out what you need to do to help them do better.

We always recommend that new beekeepers start with 2 hives.

 

[Abirdbrain]

Yep, 2 hives in hand is the minimum for success. There are times when a wasp attack, or bumble attack can weaken a hive, and make it vulnerable. Having a sister hive to take some field bees, and brood, can solve the problem in a short time. It is imperative, you the keeper, open and look at the progress of the hive every week. A bit of damp burlap for the smoker, and a five minute chore should give you a good idea of conditions and production. Taken in the morning about 9-11, most field bees are out, and the hive will be depleated of number, so it is easy. A super with two canning jars on the frames, or an entrance feeder, can help with production, with a bit of boiled sugar water. DO NOT try to recycle chrystalized honey back to the bees. Much purchased honey is from foreign lands and may have spores or fungus. Bad.

Honey that has turned solid or sugary, whould be heated in a double boiler situation, and maybe commited to a honey sauce for baking. 1 cup of sugar, to 2/3 cup water and gently heat, stir, till disolved, and add what hardening honey you have, at least 1/2 cup. This syrup can be used for baking, or candied for toppings, by using a thermometer and reducing to heavy syrup, or even down to crack stage, and pouring it out on a sheet to break up. Yum! The Honey flavor will carry through.

To keep bees is fun and fairly simple. READ, read, read. And take the time to Bee a good keeper. It is not much for the curiosity and wonderment of these little animals, and the treasure they produce.

 

[mothergoose]

We are thinking about getting some bee's as well. We are trying to learn as much as we can before we jump into it. I have a question...How long after you get your first hives will it be before you harvest your first batch of honey? Do you have to have special equipment to extract the honey from the comb?
Thanks for any info,
Christie