Dang it. I looked 1 week ago and broke down the queen cells I saw. All uncharged. This week 4/18 central IN, I noticed odd flying and front hive bearding. I checked inside and found multiple capped queen cells and no marked queens. Ticked them off quite well going fine tooth through the beard and all frames. I have no time due to mushroom season so guess we are raising new queens in both hives... I liked the old ones... Dang it! Why won't they work with me.
One thing I’ve found is that once you see “charged cell” it’s increasingly harder to find the queen because part of her preparation is she looses weight to prepare her for flying and she’s faster moving around. The nurse bees also start chasing her around so she can’t lay(since it’s actually the nurse bees that decide when it’s time to swarm). Not sure about Michigan but in SC everything is blooming at once which isn’t good for honey production. Tulip poplar and the blackberries are already in bloom and they’re still bringing in an almost crystal clear nectar. My best guess is the black locust was prolonged. Maybe you can do a video on the phenomenon “flower fidelity”. The bees are going to go to whatever the best nectar source is.
You said that bees don’t usually want to swarm until the honey flow. That’s not correct, an I mean that kindly. If it’s crowded or no place for the queen to lay there outta here. Every year I have to work hard to keep mine from swarming, an it months before the flow.
The choice is spring honey, or more hives. Your way is totally doable if that's your goal. She's got more hives than I'd care to tend already. Honey is gold.
Great efforts thank you ☺️🌹 The nectar flow season is just around the corner, and I had prepared strong hives to harvest honey using the Demarai method, but unfortunately most of the hives have begun to place queen houses, and examining the hive has become tiring and consumes a lot of time. Because I don't want to split the hives nor want her to swarm.
I have found that under-supering helps me some in Spring build up. A split is a split is a split and all have successes and failures. But you might have much choice in a few days but to do some walk-aways with that many bees in those boxes.
Hello , if all less fails you can use a double screen board and make sure there is a cell in both parts . Instead of loosing half the bees you might loose 1/4 to a third
Dang it. I looked 1 week ago and broke down the queen cells I saw. All uncharged. This week 4/18 central IN, I noticed odd flying and front hive bearding. I checked inside and found multiple capped queen cells and no marked queens. Ticked them off quite well going fine tooth through the beard and all frames. I have no time due to mushroom season so guess we are raising new queens in both hives... I liked the old ones... Dang it! Why won't they work with me.
One thing I’ve found is that once you see “charged cell” it’s increasingly harder to find the queen because part of her preparation is she looses weight to prepare her for flying and she’s faster moving around. The nurse bees also start chasing her around so she can’t lay(since it’s actually the nurse bees that decide when it’s time to swarm). Not sure about Michigan but in SC everything is blooming at once which isn’t good for honey production. Tulip poplar and the blackberries are already in bloom and they’re still bringing in an almost crystal clear nectar. My best guess is the black locust was prolonged. Maybe you can do a video on the phenomenon “flower fidelity”. The bees are going to go to whatever the best nectar source is.
I am not sure if I missed it but what would you have done with the queen in that last hive had you found her?
What did hives out of the almonds cost this year
You said that bees don’t usually want to swarm until the honey flow. That’s not correct, an I mean that kindly. If it’s crowded or no place for the queen to lay there outta here. Every year I have to work hard to keep mine from swarming, an it months before the flow.
If you don't mind me asking what camera mount options do you use? Do you use a head mount for the perspective shots?
I always can't find my queen. There good at hiding 4 sure. 😊
I thought I was the only one that couldn't spot a queen. It's frustrating but if they are doing good I don't worry anymore.
I like to let mine swarm when they want and I just box them up when they land to wait for the scouts.
Why not make a multiple nucs with the queen cells and cap brood to reduce the number of bees in the hive?
The choice is spring honey, or more hives. Your way is totally doable if that's your goal. She's got more hives than I'd care to tend already. Honey is gold.
Thank you kindly for all the informal videos. You do a great job!
Great efforts thank you ☺️🌹
The nectar flow season is just around the corner, and I had prepared strong hives to harvest honey using the Demarai method, but unfortunately most of the hives have begun to place queen houses, and examining the hive has become tiring and consumes a lot of time. Because I don't want to split the hives nor want her to swarm.
I have found that under-supering helps me some in Spring build up.
A split is a split is a split and all have successes and failures. But you might have much choice in a few days but to do some walk-aways with that many bees in those boxes.
It’s a very nice information video… as always is very joyful to see such a great talent.. keep the great work
Nice looking hives.
Hello , if all less fails you can use a double screen board and make sure there is a cell in both parts . Instead of loosing half the bees you might loose 1/4 to a third
You need a magnet in your pocket so you can just stick your hive tool to it on the outside.
Yes I do!!! Great idea!
I enjoy your channel thanks
That bee suit.