The Old Folks Home

[chickadoodles]

I am having a problem with bees! I don't know what to do they have taken over the feed for the turkey and chickens and won't let my birds eat. I don't know what to do as I need bees for my fruit trees and vegies. But my birds need to be able to eat also. Any suggestions?

 

[superchemicalgirl]

Are you sure they're bees and not wasps or hornets? Generally bees are pretty docile. Is the hive near the feed? Can you find someone with a bee suit to move the hive?

 

[chickadoodles]

Are you sure they're bees and not wasps or hornets? Generally bees are pretty docile. Is the hive near the feed? Can you find someone with a bee suit to move the hive?

They are bees. I looked around and I do not see the hive but we have lots of trees and open pastures all around us. I do not know anyone in the bee keeping business. But I do not want to loose the bees. I have been praying for some bees to pollinate my fruit trees so I won't have to. They are not acting aggressive just taking over the feed?

 

[Arielle]

I am having a problem with bees! I don't know what to do they have taken over the feed for the turkey and chickens and won't let my birds eat. I don't know what to do as I need bees for my fruit trees and vegies. But my birds need to be able to eat also. Any suggestions?

Geez, that is a problem! I don't suppose putting out more feeders would help?? IS this a wet mash or dry feed that they are enjoying ?

 

[chickadoodles]

Geez, that is a problem! I don't suppose putting out more feeders would help?? IS this a wet mash or dry feed that they are enjoying ?

I put out another food dish yesterday and they bees claimed in in minutes, it is dry crumbles with some corn mixed in to help keep them warm. I saw a bee trying to pick up the corn and fly but it could not lift it. lol ????

 

[chickadoodles]

Maybe if I switch to pellet feed the bees will loose interest? I guess I will try it?

 

[ChickenCanoe]

I raise honeybees and chickens. I have seen the occasional bee on the feed but never covering the feed. I'm surprised the chickens aren't eating the bees.
If they truly are honeybees, their primary desire is pollen and nectar so I don't understand them being enamored with the chicken feed.
I would try putting out a couple pans of sugar water with several pebbles so the bees can land, consume and fly away. Once they find your syrup, they'll leave the feed alone.

If you live where it's warm enough to have bees now and you have fruit trees, you undoubtedly have a local beekeepers organization that could help.

 

[Arielle]

The sugar water is a great idea-- We want to do honey bees this year but don't have a clue what bee house to invest in. Several different designs. IF anyone has suggestions, I"d bee grateful.

 

[chickensnewtome]

We installed a wood burning stove just in time for 5 degree weather, 4 days later, it is 63!!!! What is up with this!!! I start back to school Tomorrow. I can not wait until June. I will have my degree, then I am debating on either starting a job straight off or finishing my education. Any input?

We got 12 roosters the other day, 7 went to freezer camp, that took us 2 hours from catch to brine.

Last night I went to put all chickens back in the pen because I was letting them free range, I could not find my new white one, this morning at 5:30 I found him!!! CROWING IN MY GARAGE!!! HOW IN THE WORLD HE GOT IN THERE I DON'T KNOW

. Everyone have a wonderful day!

 

[chickensnewtome]

The sugar water is a great idea-- We want to do honey bees this year but don't have a clue what bee house to invest in. Several different designs. IF anyone has suggestions, I"d bee grateful.

I think bee keeping would be nice too. Let me know how it goes for you!