Bee Keeping??

[SamG347]

Well today when we went out to get our Xmas tree I found a collection of 3-5 combs hanging from the bottom of a tree in the field. Turned out they are HONEY BEES....I have been contemplating getting bees for some time now but to find a FREE wild colony just tickled me pink! I drove back to the farm after we got out tree armed with a pair of shears and a box. Got the combs and bees into the box and taped her up. I have the combs laying in the box with the bees....and have a screened window cut into box. They seem to be doing fine as far as I can tell and have them in the garage. Its warm down there but not TOO hot and not freezing either. Any of you beekeepers.....what should I do for them till I can get my Topbar hive built in the spring and get them in? Do they need fed or anything else? And do you think the garage is an okay place for them?
Thanks!

 

[Suess hens]

Wow!!!
I have been contemplating keeping bees myself. How cool to find your own colony. We had some in a tree here, the comb would break off about once a year and fall to the ground. But this last year they either were effected by that colony die off thing, or moved...no combs found, no dripping either....and seemingly fewer bees.
I hope someone answers, I'd love to know what happens with your bees.

 

[geareduplyn]

I'm a lifelong beekeeper(Check my pictures in Family Life & New Member Introductions) Send some details and maybe some pictures of just exactly what you did, and where you have them. From what you have described so far they would probably need to be fed to make it until next spring.

 

[JennsPeeps]

I want to encourage Mason bees in my backyard next spring for their pollinating capacities. Guess DBF will get to use his drill press!

I'd love to keep a hive but live in the city on a small lot and DBF is allergic to bee stings.

Did you know that the Opera Garnier in Paris has been hives on the roof? That building was the inspiration & setting for "Phantom of the Opera". http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/10/01/healthscience/parisbees.php

 

[EmmyGirl]

That's very cool! It's good to hear there are still some honeybees left here in PA! Best of luck to you and congratulations!!

 

[SamG347]

Getting the temporary hive finished tonight....hopefully moving the bees in tomorrow!!
They are doing great now that I have started placing the food in. Also made my screen window smaller to help with the warmth in the box...and they bees have spred out and are working on the existing comb nicely! This will be sooo cool once i get them into the hive! I'm building a plexi glass window into the box for easy viewing!