I looked at getting Ducks too many issues, I looked at getting chickens very slight possibility. Utube threw up a bee keeping vid now I’m addicted. Nothing like getting knowledge from an educated enthusiast. It’s only my first day and twelfth video in but I think this could be the start of something beautiful. Thanks from sunny Leeds
Very helpful overview of the beekeeping year - thankyou. There have been no in-person theory sessions locally for the past couple of years because of social distancing, etc., so this is a very good alternative. Thank you.
Hi Stewart, beginners course completed at my local BKA (West Wilts), and am now spending Sat pms at the Branch Apiary. My own Out Apiary now ready and waiting with 2 x poly 14 x12 hives - all I need now are the bees! My 2 x nucs (14 x 12) should be ready for collection in 2 - 3 weeks. Just wanted to say thanks for such a clear, cogent and articulate set of videos. Absolutely invaluable; keep up the excellent work!
Hi Peter, Thanks for commenting. Sounds like you have everything in place for a successful season. Let's keep our fingers crossed for some warmer weather and your bees will get off to the fastest start possible. Good luck with your season and keep me posted. Stewart
Hi Jason, Thanks for your comments. It's really not that difficult to get started but takes a lifetime to master and when you think you've got a handle on what the bees get up to they do something you've never seen before! And that's why I love it so much. Stewart
Hi Mightypi, I'm glad it is of use. Swarming is always a mystery and the time they are most likely to swarm is when you think you've got everything under control, lol. Stewart
Hi Stewart thanks for all the information. These videos have really helped me. I got bees last summer and they started flying today for the first time this year
Great information. I have been calling around locally here in Pittsburgh Pa. A nucleus colony here goes for about $165. I have looked at videos on how to create and bait swarm traps. Here people say they swarm mid April thru May. I got some scrap lumber and think I will give that a try. I also got essential lemongrass oil which I heard only 2 drops inside and 1 drop outside entrance. I will post, hopefully A swarm comes by. Again, thank you for spreading your very valuable knowledge.
Good evening Stewart, quick question, is it an option if you find queen cells in a hive to kill the queen and remove all but 1 good queen cell thus losing no bees and gaining a new queen? Great informative video again. Thanks.
Thank you for all your videos... Ive been watching all day. I live in the northeast USA. I lost both my hives right before winter. one hive swarmed 3 times in early summer and dwindled down to a small hive. the other I think the cause of loss was verroa mites. I have been learning tons from you so thank you. ps I only have one yard for bees and I'm interested in producing a nuc from a new colony I will get in the early spring. any advice in best doing this?
Hi Christine, Many thanks for your comments and telling me a little about your beekeeping experience. So from your comment you are getting a nuc in the Spring and would like to build it up to split into two later the same year? I would take a look at my video two nucs from one parent colony. If you can build it up really early it will be possible to split it without any problem in the same season (feed them and then feed them some more!). I will be doing just that with a colony myself on video as soon as the Spring arrives so stay tuned. Stewart
Hi Stewart - another question please - when you catch a swarm and knock it into a box and close the lid to keep the queen inside - is there a mini queen excluder to put over the entrance to keep the queen inside the box and stop her leaving via the entrance? - while giving the worker bees time to join her and crawl inside the box as night comes? Thanks. Esther (Flinders Australia) PS As a new bee keeper, I am starting to get the idea that you have to keep on your toes to constantly outsmart them!! haha
Stuart, this series is fantastic! I have one question though. I have no hives yet, and there really is only one reason why. I would like two hives. One colonised, and a spare hive. But I do not want (though nature may think otherwise) a colony to swarm making me fill my second hive, only then to have those two swarm; before I know it I’d have several hives ?! That would make me feel beekeeping becoming a chore as opposed to a small manageable hobby. So in short, does it become exponential the amount of hives and colonies you’d have from just 1 / 2 colonies?
Hi SquireBarry, Thanks for your comments. You are right about the potential for exponential growth, it can happen but you can also manipulate colonies to help delay and in some cases prevent swarming etc. Two colonies are very useful as you can use one to recover a problem in the other so it's worth considering. Stewart
Thank you for your reply Stewart! I’m going for it, bee keeping is for me! I watch a your videos, read far too many books and have filled my 2019 diary with conferences, lectures and trade shows to attend! In February I start a beginners course with my local division as-well. Do you plan another series for 2019 season which follows one particular hive from nucleus to over wintering? K Berry
Hi Stewart - In the event that you take all precautions but a swarm gets away from you - would it help to set up NUC Catch Boxes around your property so they don't go too far and have somewhere nice and enticing to settle rather than a neighbour's roof? Thanks. Esther (Flinders Australia)
Coming back to this and watching again to understand swarming and swarm captures. The topic of nuc boxes continues to confuse me. Why use a nuc box rather than a normal hive body with the 8 or 10 frames? Even if they don't draw out all of the frames, won't they just hang out in the middle like they would in a tree trunk (until the new laid brood produces more comb for more eggs and honey storage)? It makes sense that if you are in cold weather that fewer bees wouldn't be able to warm the larger hive... but where I am it gets crazy hot during the periods you would be capturing swarms, splitting hives, and installing packages. Sorry for not accepting the concept of nuc boxes outright... I'm just trying to understand the reasoning behind all the things I am learning.
Hi Jason, Great that you are questioning why and not just following without understanding. So, Nuc boxes! For me the colder weather has an impact and the smaller space, as you rightly say, helps maintain colony temperature. If I put a split into a full size brood box there are several things that can happen that makes it more difficult than using a nuc box. Temperature control is more difficult for the split, colony security can be compromised as such a large area allows for the potential of robbing even with a smaller entrance. Fresh new foundation dries out quickly and the bees are not so keen to jump on it and draw it out into comb. They sometimes start drawing out the comb in multiple places and so you end up with several frames partially drawn out instead of all the bees working on just one or two frames. The bees will sometimes chew new foundation from unused frames to help with building comb they are working on thus destroying perfectly good foundation. You are also right about the effects of temperature on nucs as they can overheat on very hot days and preferably need to be shaded to help the bees whereas in a full size box there is more airflow. I am sure there are other valid reason for and against using nucs but these are my early morning ramblings before I get to work, I hope they make some sense for you. Nucs have their pros and cons and you just have to weigh up if one outweighs the other. I hope that helps. Stewart
Helps a tremendous amount Stewart. Thank you for the insight and also for being so approachable. As a complete outsider, but a thinker, much of what I am reading and watching is rooted in the "art" of beekeeping and the background logic isn't always well articulated. One of the things I'm appreciating about your videos is how you relate the theory with the practical (as demonstrated in your comment response).
Hi Conor, Not too far then. So what I am doing and the various time frames would apply equally to your location. Good luck with your beekeeping. Stewart
Hello Stewart, is it a viable option, albeit very disturbing for the bees, to unite a swarm with an existing colony, using the newspaper method, but with a queen excluder above the newspaper in order to capture and kill the swarm queen?
Hi Jay, I usually work on a three year plan, yr1 assess, yr2 allow colony to be productive and grow yr3 replace or retire queen to smaller hive setup to use for queen rearing. Stewart
I have a problem in the hive , is not active, I inspected the super no bees opened the brood box inspected the frames no honey, no brood, no larvra the base bottom very dirty, I do cleaning, changed few frames very smelly, looks queenlenes
I looked at getting Ducks too many issues, I looked at getting chickens very slight possibility. Utube threw up a bee keeping vid now I’m addicted. Nothing like getting knowledge from an educated enthusiast. It’s only my first day and twelfth video in but I think this could be the start of something beautiful. Thanks from sunny Leeds
Hi Tamsterman,
Thanks for your comments, have a fantastic beekeeping season.
Stewart
Very helpful overview of the beekeeping year - thankyou. There have been no in-person theory sessions locally for the past couple of years because of social distancing, etc., so this is a very good alternative. Thank you.
Hi Stewart, beginners course completed at my local BKA (West Wilts), and am now spending Sat pms at the Branch Apiary. My own Out Apiary now ready and waiting with 2 x poly 14 x12 hives - all I need now are the bees! My 2 x nucs (14 x 12) should be ready for collection in 2 - 3 weeks. Just wanted to say thanks for such a clear, cogent and articulate set of videos. Absolutely invaluable; keep up the excellent work!
Hi Peter,
Thanks for commenting. Sounds like you have everything in place for a successful season. Let's keep our fingers crossed for some warmer weather and your bees will get off to the fastest start possible.
Good luck with your season and keep me posted.
Stewart
Fantastic information, a must for all new beginners, this is my second full year with lots to learn. Many thanks,, martyn.
Thanks Martyn.
I hope you are enjoying your beekeeping.
Stewart
Just a quick thank you for all the great information you've been providing. Giving me the courage to maybe give beekeeping a go.
Hi Jason,
Thanks for your comments.
It's really not that difficult to get started but takes a lifetime to master and when you think you've got a handle on what the bees get up to they do something you've never seen before!
And that's why I love it so much.
Stewart
Now this one was really new info for me, a lot to take in. outstanding work !
Hi Mightypi,
I'm glad it is of use. Swarming is always a mystery and the time they are most likely to swarm is when you think you've got everything under control, lol.
Stewart
Hi Stewart thanks for all the information. These videos have really helped me. I got bees last summer and they started flying today for the first time this year
Hi Conor,
Thanks for commenting. Welcome to the world of beekeeping, I hope you enjoyed your first season. Are you in the UK?
Stewart
Thank you Stewart. There's a lot for me to think about there, cheers.
Great video. My understanding of Swarming now makes sense, as a beginner the topic can seem a little confusing. Thanks Stewart.
Thanks Colin.
Great information. I have been calling around locally here in Pittsburgh Pa. A nucleus colony here goes for about $165. I have looked at videos on how to create and bait swarm traps. Here people say they swarm mid April thru May. I got some scrap lumber and think I will give that a try. I also got essential lemongrass oil which I heard only 2 drops inside and 1 drop outside entrance. I will post, hopefully A swarm comes by. Again, thank you for spreading your very valuable knowledge.
Hi Thomas,
Sounds like you have a plan! Let me know how you get on.
Stewart
You are so right, I have a hive right now that was wonderful my first split, it had 4 swarms come from it and the hive is nothing now
It happens sometimes unfortunately.
Great video and very interesting on the swarm process, thank you.
Great video! Thank you again.
Thanks for commenting Jeffrey.
Stewart
Good evening Stewart, quick question, is it an option if you find queen cells in a hive to kill the queen and remove all but 1 good queen cell thus losing no bees and gaining a new queen? Great informative video again. Thanks.
Great lesson keep up good work for us Newbees
Hi Adam,
Thanks for commenting, I'm glad you are enjoying the videos.
Stewart
Thank you for all your videos... Ive been watching all day. I live in the northeast USA. I lost both my hives right before winter. one hive swarmed 3 times in early summer and dwindled down to a small hive. the other I think the cause of loss was verroa mites. I have been learning tons from you so thank you. ps I only have one yard for bees and I'm interested in producing a nuc from a new colony I will get in the early spring. any advice in best doing this?
Hi Christine,
Many thanks for your comments and telling me a little about your beekeeping experience. So from your comment you are getting a nuc in the Spring and would like to build it up to split into two later the same year? I would take a look at my video two nucs from one parent colony. If you can build it up really early it will be possible to split it without any problem in the same season (feed them and then feed them some more!).
I will be doing just that with a colony myself on video as soon as the Spring arrives so stay tuned.
Stewart
Hi Stewart - another question please - when you catch a swarm and knock it into a box and close the lid to keep the queen inside - is there a mini queen excluder to put over the entrance to keep the queen inside the box and stop her leaving via the entrance? - while giving the worker bees time to join her and crawl inside the box as night comes? Thanks. Esther (Flinders Australia) PS As a new bee keeper, I am starting to get the idea that you have to keep on your toes to constantly outsmart them!! haha
Stuart, this series is fantastic! I have one question though. I have no hives yet, and there really is only one reason why. I would like two hives. One colonised, and a spare hive. But I do not want (though nature may think otherwise) a colony to swarm making me fill my second hive, only then to have those two swarm; before I know it I’d have several hives ?! That would make me feel beekeeping becoming a chore as opposed to a small manageable hobby. So in short, does it become exponential the amount of hives and colonies you’d have from just 1 / 2 colonies?
Hi SquireBarry,
Thanks for your comments.
You are right about the potential for exponential growth, it can happen but you can also manipulate colonies to help delay and in some cases prevent swarming etc.
Two colonies are very useful as you can use one to recover a problem in the other so it's worth considering.
Stewart
Thank you for your reply Stewart! I’m going for it, bee keeping is for me! I watch a your videos, read far too many books and have filled my 2019 diary with conferences, lectures and trade shows to attend! In February I start a beginners course with my local division as-well. Do you plan another series for 2019 season which follows one particular hive from nucleus to over wintering?
K Berry
Do you use screen bottom boards on all your hives? If you use all screen bottoms during winter, do you narrow the opening on the bottom of the hive?
Hi Stewart - In the event that you take all precautions but a swarm gets away from you - would it help to set up NUC Catch Boxes around your property so they don't go too far and have somewhere nice and enticing to settle rather than a neighbour's roof? Thanks. Esther (Flinders Australia)
Thanks for your video. Your chart of the age of the casts shows drone at 34 days. It's 24 days right?
Hi Karen,
Thanks for the comment. The 34 days refers to maturity, emergence is at 24 days yes.
Stewart
I seen drone and drone cells in one of my hives but I found no queen cells it is back in the 20s here it was 80 this past week
Is it the start of your season now? Drone cells usually means the start of the swarming season will soon be along!
Coming back to this and watching again to understand swarming and swarm captures. The topic of nuc boxes continues to confuse me. Why use a nuc box rather than a normal hive body with the 8 or 10 frames? Even if they don't draw out all of the frames, won't they just hang out in the middle like they would in a tree trunk (until the new laid brood produces more comb for more eggs and honey storage)? It makes sense that if you are in cold weather that fewer bees wouldn't be able to warm the larger hive... but where I am it gets crazy hot during the periods you would be capturing swarms, splitting hives, and installing packages. Sorry for not accepting the concept of nuc boxes outright... I'm just trying to understand the reasoning behind all the things I am learning.
Hi Jason,
Great that you are questioning why and not just following without understanding. So, Nuc boxes!
For me the colder weather has an impact and the smaller space, as you rightly say, helps maintain colony temperature. If I put a split into a full size brood box there are several things that can happen that makes it more difficult than using a nuc box. Temperature control is more difficult for the split, colony security can be compromised as such a large area allows for the potential of robbing even with a smaller entrance. Fresh new foundation dries out quickly and the bees are not so keen to jump on it and draw it out into comb. They sometimes start drawing out the comb in multiple places and so you end up with several frames partially drawn out instead of all the bees working on just one or two frames. The bees will sometimes chew new foundation from unused frames to help with building comb they are working on thus destroying perfectly good foundation.
You are also right about the effects of temperature on nucs as they can overheat on very hot days and preferably need to be shaded to help the bees whereas in a full size box there is more airflow.
I am sure there are other valid reason for and against using nucs but these are my early morning ramblings before I get to work, I hope they make some sense for you.
Nucs have their pros and cons and you just have to weigh up if one outweighs the other.
I hope that helps.
Stewart
Helps a tremendous amount Stewart. Thank you for the insight and also for being so approachable. As a complete outsider, but a thinker, much of what I am reading and watching is rooted in the "art" of beekeeping and the background logic isn't always well articulated. One of the things I'm appreciating about your videos is how you relate the theory with the practical (as demonstrated in your comment response).
I am in Ireland
Hi Conor,
Not too far then. So what I am doing and the various time frames would apply equally to your location. Good luck with your beekeeping.
Stewart
i think i would be fine with a swarm. increasing bee colonies in the area.
Could you not destroy queen cells before they hatch ?
Hello Stewart, is it a viable option, albeit very disturbing for the bees, to unite a swarm with an existing colony, using the newspaper method, but with a queen excluder above the newspaper in order to capture and kill the swarm queen?
Hi Christopher,
I would settle them down into a brood box first and remove the queen you don't want prior to uniting.
Stewart
how often should i replace the queen then? im thinking every e yrs or so but should that be done even if shes still doing her job well?
*3 yrs
Hi Jay,
I usually work on a three year plan,
yr1 assess,
yr2 allow colony to be productive and grow
yr3 replace or retire queen to smaller hive setup to use for queen rearing.
Stewart
The Norfolk Honey Company thx stewart.
The
I have a problem in the hive , is not active, I inspected the super no bees opened the brood box inspected the frames no honey, no brood, no larvra the base bottom very dirty, I do cleaning, changed few frames very smelly, looks queenlenes