Last Year I Started Beekeeping - So Exciting

[sgtmom52]

We got a swarm call at 3:30 this afternoon. Luckily it was only about 5 miles away. The call came from a member of our beekeepers assoc. who had 3 hives and 2 of them swarmed this afternoon. They only had equipment and space for 1 swarm (which they caught) so they called us to collect the other one. With rain predicted from this evening and the next couple of days, we grabbed some equipment and headed out. The swarm was a nice big one, probably about 5 pounds and only about 3' off the ground in a magnolia tree. We collected the swarm in a large tub and headed home to quickly hive them before the rain hit. We did end up finishing in the rain, but I figure that will help keep them in the hive.

Swarm in the tree. The swarm was very calm and we think we got the queen and probably 95% of the bees.

After we hived the swarm. The bees have completely moved inside now.

We are down to our last odds & end of equipment, but are picking some more up at a local equipment dealer this week. We have 12 other hives, 4 others at our house and the rest on 2 different farms. This one will probably be moved to one of the farms next week after the rain is done.

 

[chigger bait]

Outstanding!

A whopper of a swarm.

Like finding money in the street.

 

[sgtmom52]

Outstanding!

A whopper of a swarm.

Like finding money in the street.

Yes it is ~ we just paid $77. a piece for 3 pound packages!

 

[Sooner]

I would love to be a part of catching a swarm!!!

For all you experienced keepers, my hive is new this season (installed 4/10), I have been in the hive twice since installation of the package. I love looking to see what they have done. My question is, am I causing trouble by looking opening it too often?

 

[CSWolffe]

Hey all!
My package is ordered, and I pick it up this coming saturday! I've had my hive set up and waiting since last summer. I am using the Warre hive, a more natural, less intrusive form of beekeeping, and I just can't wait to be able to harvest my own honey!

 

[madamwlf]

So I'm thinking of going into my hive tomorrow. It's been about 5 days since I swapped the bodies and put the baggie feeder on. The well feeders won't be here until Thursday but it's suppose to be raining that day. I really need to see if the queen is still there and doing her business.

 

[sgtmom52]

So I'm thinking of going into my hive tomorrow. It's been about 5 days since I swapped the bodies and put the baggie feeder on. The well feeders won't be here until Thursday but it's suppose to be raining that day. I really need to see if the queen is still there and doing her business.

I should be OK to check them tomorrow with the temps in the low 60s. Make sure that you don't keep the frames out for more than a few minutes as you don't want to chill the brood if there is some there.
I have my fingers crossed for you!

I also plan to take a peek at my new hive from the swarm we just got to see if the queen is laying too.

 

[madamwlf]

What should I see at this point? It's been 5 days since I last checked. I want to make sure I know what to look for just in case there is no queen.

 

[Kay56]

Any one have any trouble with bears bothering your hive?? We are getting 3 nucs this weekend to start us off and we were told that we will need to put an electric fence around the hives for protection.

 

[madamwlf]

I've not seen a bear in this area. Not to say there isn't any, just haven't seen any.