1) Can you tell us a little more about Lyson hive stands, and why you notched 4x4 lumber when they are designed for 2x4 lumber? 17:18 2) You used Eco-Wood, others have mentioned that their wood still warps or comes apart at the finger joints. I would love your opinion. 20:50 3) It seems like lots of additional equipment is needed when starting beekeeping. Could you estimate what extra standby equipment you might need for a Langstroth Hive? 24:59 4) How long after bees swarm, can few remaining bees raise a new queen? 35:46 5) This is an update regarding the BetterBee Better-Comb being installed upside down. I am highly impressed by the company. 39:39 6) I looked at capped brood and it was brown in color. Should the cappings be light beeswax? 41:38 7) Not all swarms are created equal! Be prepared for any surprises you may receive from unsettled, or defensive bees. 43:45 8) You present your Langstroth Hives without venting or top entrances, why does your Long Langstroth seem to contradict that? Can you explain why you recommend upper venting in the Long Langstroth? 53:10 9) You said that queens don't mate with drones from their own colony. I have heard that from many sources. How does that work? 59:41 10) Do you know if anyone has ever tried to teach bees to groom off varroa by putting a dab of honey on the mites? 1:09:41 11) I think I killed my Queen in a mite wash. Should I re-Queen or let them make a queen? 1:13:37 12) Here in NW Texas we've had extremely dry winter weather. Spring isn't providing as it should. I'm wondering if I should put my bees on light syrup? I have pollen patties but fear that it would encourage brood production when Mother Nature isn't providing. 1:18:13 13) I noticed that when bees are departing the hive, they make a figure eight as they rise up and fly off. My question is, did this orientation flight mimic the waggle dance from inside the hive? Or is this typically how they orient themselves? 1:23:14 14) I have 3 very small over-wintered colonies that I am worried about. Can I mix leftover Hive Alive Fondant with pollen substitute to make patties to feed my bees? 1:26:46
I have 6 acre fields that used to be used for corn , it’s taken me 5 years to cover the fields in dead nettle , imperial clover , daisies, blue violets and I planted 5 pounds of dandelion seeds and sections of my farm are golden and thick with dandelions and daisies, my dad is one of those guys that makes his lawn look like a fairway and putting green, the thing that amazes me is that my dad does this 100% chemical free and he is 84 years old , the point is that all of these folks that hire lawn services to chemically keep their lawn green , my dad uses $150 worth of st. Augustine plugs and he hand installs his one acre of plugs , the moral is that it can be done chemically free if you so choose and if my dad can do it at 84 anyone can , I actually spend more money planting dandelions and clover lol , I broke the cycle and it drives my dad crazy to look at my fields but I tell him it looks like heaven to me to see all of the so called weeds and bees everywhere 😋❤️❤️I forgot to add , I changed a corn farm into 24 acres of bee heaven with a 3.5 acre pond just for the bees and every duck known to man ❤
I just installed my betterbee frame replacements today, and was pleasantly surprised when I heard my name on todays shot!! Thanks for mentioning my results with your viewers… thanks for doing what you do!!! ~Allen
Wanted a no-mow for ages. Red clover, purple dead nettle, thyme, so much you can do. Look forward to Fred-days!! The videography is so lovely. Thanks for these informative vids!
Live in mid TN, humidity issues. I have 5 frame deep nucs with single 1" dia. hole entrances, no vents at all. Use second 5 frame deep box when catching swarms. A swarm that was caught last year wintered well, now I have had to add third box. During mid day they beard so much that it looks like a solid pillar of bees. So I just built new top with single 1" screened vent centered. Will let the bees decide if they want extra ventilation or not themselves. Will give update if they seal it off.
I have to admit this is my most favorite episode I've seen so far! I don't do Facebook so I can't, or won't, be able to view what you were talking about at the end of the episode. Thanks for all you share with us, you are truly a teacher of bee related things that I trust. Having a resource to learn from is always a plus and you are appreciated!
Second that. 😉 Can a Beek Group please be on something else too. Won't do Facebook on principle ! Surely their is an open Domain allied to UA-cam Viewers or Pod listeners. Fakebook gives me Hives (the itchy type !)😕
Fred, I am half the way through your video. Will listen to the second half on the way back home later today. Thanks for your detailed explanation on drones not feeding themselves. Now I am not sure if drones feeding themselves:) What one observes is often more accurate than what it in the paper. Please keep observing drones and keep us updated. In the meantime, I will look for more studies that examined feeding patterns of drones.
Liked the opening about thievery, it does happen, and it reminded me I need to place a unique marker or two on hidden areas on my upcoming hives. Some people ridicule you as paranoid for doing such things even now, I think they just haven't come to terms with the world we live in today. Can't wait for the rest of the episode, had to comment early while it was still fresh on my mind.
@@abstract1dea True, and never let anyone brow beat you into following their herd. People that jump on the bandwagon have no idea what they are doing usually, I have paranoia about my known threats every day. Paranoia might just equal being prepared, at least that's the way I have been led to believe.
swarm #5 today....tried the qmp noodle,....they werent very attracted to it at all, wonder if its too old?,,,still got em w ladder,put the noodle back in fridge,about time to check my drones captured in queen isolation frame holder,as they should be emerged,
Sorry Fred. What did you say. Can you please repeat yourself. I was so mesmerised watching the Ob Hive. I did not hear a word you said. LOL. Great stuff as always. Sadly we are shutting down here in Australia as the weather is turning cooler 🤪🐝
Hi Peter, is it true that in NSW, the Government is baiting and killing all bee species in an attempt to control the varroa mite? I realize you may not be in that part of the country, but someone sent a video to me that was pretty drastic.
Not all species, just the western/European honey bees. Feral colonies and owned colonies. A designated radius around mite findings, all hives are euthanased. I don’t think the mites go on the stingless bees as they are a lot smaller. Fires and flooding have also taken a toll on native solitary bees, I haven’t seen many blue banded bees this year.
What do you do with deep frames that are loaded with pollen from last year? I seem to have quite a few and takes up a lot of the queen's laying space. I am adding foundations periodically to build new wax but wonder what to do with all the extra.
Hi Fred hope you are well , we get thefts and hive damage in uk 🇬🇧 unfortunately we have dodgy light fingered folk the same as you , have a fab week and a better week ahead hopefully 👍🏻
ECO-Wood is a wood treatment not a sealant, Thank you Fred. I have tried to explain this to beekeepers when ever the topic comes up, I try to explain to them the difference and how to remedy the issues.
You were in rare form today, as they say in Ireland. Thanks so much. I guess I am going to brace myself for more investment in equipment. At least I'll know how to use it from your excellent videos. Yeah, two years ago in our area a guy stole a bunch of hives. He ended up going to prison. One reason to get to know the local bee keeping association. They let you know what's going on.
I notice some bees in that observation hive hanging out in a horizontal strip of burr comb against the glass at various points in the video- Is it possible that the bees regularly use temporary comb (or other misshapen/difficult comb structures) as rest areas?
They put that brace-comb against the glass, and yes I've noticed that many workers like to park themselves at that barrier and rest for extended periods. Keen observation there!
Question? I didn’t have good results using the extended release OA. Now I have a mite issue. The weather has been warmer during the day but freezing at night. Difficulty getting last minute miticide due to supply issues. I happen to have Gard three from last year so I went ahead and put that on today I ordered might check that still isn’t here. How soon do you think I could put that on when it does arrive. Thank you for your input and your channel which I listen to it once a week.
Permission to use extended release OA has been withdrawn due to unexpected issues with the sponge composition. OAV is what I personally recommend. Rather than try to explain the parameters of different miticides, I highly recommend that you visit BetterBee, and read the literature they provide with each treatment. They are very thorough, and update as things change. I wish you all the best. www.betterbee.com/pest-management/pest-management-and-medications.asp NOTE, if they don't carry the miticide you're thinking about, I personally wouldn't use it.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you. I have always had great pest management practices but went down the rabbit hole. And then waited to long to get back out. I have a vaporizer but the electric element has proved difficult. I am not comfortable hooking up batteries or hauling them around. Thank you for your alway down to earth comments and valuable information.
GREAT INFO on drones,paint,thieves,etc...,,,anybody tries my backyard GOODLUCK,,cameras on left side ,,,on right and back they'll break their necks tryin to get thru brush tundra
Hey Fred. >>> Its Fri APRIL 21st !!! You went Hey its May (?) Thought you and your Beekeeping Skills now do Time Travel too ! 🙃 [Would of been neat to jump to "Welcome to 205 It's May 21st" (?) Then we could of Bumped Thru the last Snow and Ice Warnings.] Alas a Cold Snap is due to happen on Tues 25th ! Then we have our last Meet Up of the Bee Club here in Scotland 🏴 on Wednesday 26th April. That must mean Bee Season 🐝has started if the Bee Club are to busy to meet in person. 🤭 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2023 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Thank you Fred! As always, informative and interesting. I was laughing out loud at your Paul Kelly belt practice scenarios… you’re right- just like in the westerns you don’t want to have to look to find your queen clip. This is exactly how my tool bin gets dumped on the grass every time I have to find it in a hurry.
Always great stuff Frederick. Question for you my friend. I’m about to split a thriving hive to start a new hive-and the current hive is just now building queen cups. When I split the hive-the old queen is going into the new hive and then very quickly, I presume the old hive will build queen replacement cells. My question is-once the old hive has produced numerous swarm or supersedure cells, should I go in and remove all of them except the best cell; and won’t this help control them from swarming and to help them just focus on making a new queen? Grateful. Hope I made myself clear.
Hi Brad, removing the queen and some of her brood is a great move. Regarding the remaining queen cells that are in production, those will satisfy their need for a replacement. I personally don't remove the extra queen cells as they seem to have definite preferences, and the first queen will almost always (almost) head over and kill the competing new queens. I'm glad your bees are doing so well, and I wish you the best as you split that colony.
Love love love your take on being prepared with protective gear, sugar water spray, etc. You’re so right. It’s not just about us and our safety, but the safety of everyone who is in sight distance of the removal. Well said, Fred. A true educator.
Honey Trapped : Wanted Signs Western Style. 🤭 Maybe Smokee Bandit(s) cannot draw a Hive Tool fast enough... Instead Steals Hives rather than attend Bee Class and do it the Legit Way ! Meet you at High Noon Sucker My Girls are all out busy Foraging then, so you won't get them ! Ha !] 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2023 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
In my garage this afternoon just listening to Fred on Spotify, cutting and grinding some metal to make hive stands, assuming I don’t burn my garage down with the new welder I bought when what comes rolling through my speakers…. Sassy pants…. 👏🏻
Hi Fred, can you not use drywall corner metal strips for the joints. This is for your reply to question 2 @23:34 Thank you for taking the time to share all the knowledge.
I think I'd like to use brass, because it would look fancy. I know the drywall corners you're talking about but I wouldn't like that personally. Are they rust resistant?
You are right the metal ones are not, I have seen some Aluminum tile trim or brass corner strips / guards / protectors, as the warping tends to be more pronounced on the corners. Maybe those can help. Can be used on the inside or outside. Something like these www.aliexpress.com/item/33017866762.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.55.42fb5815UnUZJz&algo_pvid=112c93b9-05e8-4f99-944a-a66952588ef0&algo_exp_id=112c93b9-05e8-4f99-944a-a66952588ef0-27&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21CAD%214.31%212.8%21%21%21%21%21%4021227a0f16822248093188040d071c%2167172973041%21sea%21CA%210&curPageLogUid=utg5qpbC4CyQ
Hey Fred. My hive is orientated to south-east. The other day i accidentally left a crack opened in the back of the hive, that is facing north-west, and i noticed, that about 90% of the foragers used that crack instead of the main entrance. Hive is in full sun location from around 8:30 in the morning. Does that mean, my bees wants to go against the rules and prefer the northern side?
Good morning Mr. Dunn, I plan on using the blue Nitrile gloves, my leather gloves just seem balky. Should I double them up or are they thick enough to use as is?
I use those as a single layer. They keep your hands clean and the bees aren't very interested in that surface. But, you can receive stings through them. If you are stung with a nitrile glove, you can remove the glove and the stinger goes with it :)
Hello Fred! Two points. First I notice the migratory lid warpage. If you look at the endgrain, you can predict which way the board will warp and orient the board accordingly. This includes corner joints. I use splined mitre joints on my ten frame boxes. No end grain exposed, glued and nailed, and Eco Wood treatment. No warpage for 3 years and running.
That depends on which one? I have three different styles. If it will be inside, this is my tallest and most versatile one: ua-cam.com/video/jZsvDvO-BKA/v-deo.html the shorter ones that are in my Way To Bee Building are here: ua-cam.com/video/QE7IaqVAIPk/v-deo.html
No Fred, there are parts of the country that has no pollen available now, which is counter to your thought at 1:30. Here in NW MN winter isn't done with us yet. A fresh blanket of snow and temperature is at 24 deg F at 655am. Enjoy your videos and photography.
If winter isn't through with you yet, then they are hopefully still in torper. I was just looking at the pollen map that has a pollen band from San-Diego to Maine. Sorry if I did too much of a blanket statement there :) I'm sure there are pollen-free pockets still. Sorry about that.
Here in California, we have had an unusually wet and cold winter. As a result, I was unable to open the hive for inspections or to add space as the number of bees increased. By the time I was able to get into the hive, there was already a capped queen cell. I only saw one. A week later they swarmed. I recovered it and started a second hive. Two days later, the first hive swarmed again. Two days later they swarmed a third time. Three days later, it swarmed a fourth time! I've never heard of four swarms from the same hive. Apparently, there must have been more than one capped queen cell. Now, both hives appear to be doing fine. Any insights?
This happened to me in the fall. I lost the late swarms in the cold snap Cali had. This spring I had a nice hive... No queen, I had 5 queen cells. I split the hive, cut out 2 cells, placed in split. One has hatched and waiting for the other hive to emerge. 🤞
It can happen that some colonies swarm themselves down to a nucleus sized colony. Those afterswarms are traveling with unmated queens. It's a gamble for all of them. If you can collect those afterswarms and remove their queens, they will return to the parent colony. It does happen.
I don't remember the name of the video but there was a man the number on the Queen was a tracker if she left he could tell swarm or borrowed he could find her
Hi Fred: question regarding Hive Alive fondant… can you dissolve any unused fondant with your 1:1 sugar syrup? If so, do you know the ratio? I threw away fermented pollen patties (a whole box $$$) in February, and would prefer to not try to store the Hive Alive until next winter - even in the freezer. Once opened, it becomes a sticky mess, even with Saran or freezer bags trying to reseal it. I did try to open feed it as a solid, but as with honey, some bees get stuck and cannot escape. Wouldn’t it be cool if the company had a peel off / re stick seal - like baby wipes - to keep the sticky off hive tools and gloves when trying to open and place the fondant packs on the inner cover? Thanks!
I just cut around the edges, peel off plastic and put the fondant in hot water, if you leave it overnight, it dissolves into the water and is easy to finish stirring in. I don't add anything else to it. I put the fondant in a mizing bowl, then add water to the level of the fondant remnants and stirr. :)
Ohio weather has been HORRIBLE. Everything is blooming, 80 degrees one day, down to 50 the next. 32 degrees the next 2-3 nights in a row with scattered snow/sleet. I'm almost afraid to do splits!
Thank you for another great video. I was wondering about the genetics of Queens. My question is; With all the mixing of drone genetics from mating how does one know that a queen is a Saskatraz or a Carniolan or any other breed? I have been wondering about this since I bought a Saskatraz queen last year. Thank you!!!
When you buy a Saskatraz queen here in the U.S., it's a hybrid because they open mate them in California. But, if you get one in Canada, it's a straight Saskatraz. This is why keepers who buy them here often have varying results. The breeders use insemination with known genetics, that's the only true control of their genetics. Big breeders set up drone yards as well as queen finisher yards with mating nucleus colonies/hives. That improves the chances by a lot. However, if you purchase a queen and then she swarms out and is replaced, you're back to localized hybrids.
Hey Fred. The other day when I was going through my hives I had several that had queen cells in them. So I went ahead and made 4 splits with them and fed thin sugar syrup. They have all developed diarrhea on the front of the hives. Do you know what would have made this happen? The only thing I can thing of is the sugar syrup. I mixed It fresh that day so It wouldn’t be spoiled. None of the parent hives are having this issue either. Thanks in advance. David Shrewsberry.
I don't think it was the sugar syrup unless you were feeding it to them while you still have freezing temps. Dysentery can have other causes. If they can fly, that's not the issue.
Hi Fred… wouldn’t it be lovely… if the companies that you support and give shout outs to actually valued the free advertising you gave them by giving you a cut on your purchases… not free… but something is better than nothing! Fair…!!!😮🍻😉
Hi John, the beauty of that is I don't have any expectation. Many companies have offered me free stuff, I just tend to prefer to buy it so I can give a clear opinion. I'm also very happy to refer my viewers to companies that provide quality gear at reasonable prices. It just feels good to me. :) If we receive something free, or in exchange for a video, I have to declaire that, and add that the video has a featured item that I was compensated for.
@@FrederickDunn … gr8 to keep integrity… but! I still get a good laugh at the way you bring that across… many thanks… really wish I could have bees… HOA !!!
If you truly don't want bees, have a giveaway of a nuc each week or month, until you reach your optimum apiary size. I am sure your subscribers would enjoy the whole experience. 🤓🤓🤓🤓
As a Doctor, I have to let you know that the pollens reported on allergy sites are not those that the bees are looking for. Humans tend to be mostly allergic to grass pollen, and bees, as far as I know, have no interest in that. Similarly, some folk think that eating honey or pollen from local hives may help them develop blocking antibodies which might help with their hay fever. This is unlikely, because, again, bees don't generally collect those pollens which cause human allergies.
Thank you for chiming in with your opinion about pollen. If you looked at the graphic I posted, the cited pollen is from trees. Yes, there are many sources of grass pollen, and not all pollen is useful to the bees. I respect that you are a MD, I agree that science doesn't support the consumption of pollen as a method of dealing with pollen borne allergies... some holistic beekeepers will not be convinced that RAW regional honey isn't helping with allergies. You're far more qualified to comment on that than I am. Thank you for sharing.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you for your kind reply. I guess it would help everyone if the pollen count included a breakdown showing which pollens were most prevalent in the samples counted. That wouldn't be hard to do, and it might be more useful to hay fever sufferers, too, if they've been allergy tested,and know which pollen irks them. As regards tree pollen. Well, yes, some folk are allergic to that, and there is a theoretical possibility that consuming the allergen you're having problems with, might help, by stimulating your immune system to produce blocking antibodies which bind the pollen before it causes the reaction. These are matters I've researched a bit, because as well as being a GP here in Australia, I am also a hay fever sufferer! BTW, I'm a newbie beekeeper in my first year, and right now I'm just there for the girls themselves, having filled both my hives with swarms. I've not taken anything from them yet, as life is tough enough for them this early in their careers! I'm about to nurture them through their first winter. Wish me luck!
Hiya Fred, iv just noticed my bees are three bee deep on the fresh nectar in the brood comb when they have capped honey above in the super, my good friend and experienced bee keeper said that I need to count frames of brood and stores so I know if they are eating stores or storing stores so i will know if there is a possibility of starvation. My hives are full of bees, they look really good but if she hadn’t said what she said I wouldn’t have realised that they were using more stores than filling cells with nectar. Please if you have time do a fluff section on brood/stores/ bee ratio and the importance of realising if they are using rather than storing and they may starve. I now have sugar syrup ready just incase the stores dwindle and I have to feed. Your opinion would be great as always x
The problem with trying to assess resources that way is that there are days when they can bring in several pounds of nectar in a very short amount of time. The reason I say that is because it's not really predictable, and you can't break it down so simply. The bees automatically will draw back on brood production (egg production) when they sense that not enough is coming through the entrance. I just allow them to increase or decrease on their own. BUT, if they are really light in weight, that's a colony that needs help.
it is illegal to steal property. When there is an Art being conducted at a very high precession good luck. A Master Beekeeper ends up learning the most basic form of the Art of War. Defensive tactics, sickness tactics, swarm management and the water bee lol When the yard is painted like a rainbow get ready for full power once the beams are focused back. Department of energy on a BB. Loop Daddy has a good song called Wake Up
Other than supering ahead of the hive being full, I don't do much else. If I find queen cells in production during an inspection, I remove the current queen with a brood frame and park her in a nucleus hive for safe keeping. You can do everything correctly, and still have a swarm, but those are some of the key things to do. Some people find that opening the entrance all the way can help if they appear cramped.
“Corner bracket plates “ Angle iron for mending or preventing those finger joints from separation and it comes in several types of materials. That would be an easy fix or preventive measure.
Question # 9 April 2023 HCBA Meeting - Dr Elina Nino To reQueen or not to reQueen I just watched a recent video from a Dr. Elkins Nino and she said that queens will mate with drones numberings in around the 70’s. Please give her a look see and maybe do an interview. Always great shows Fred.
That would be an extremely high number of matings. Certainly that must be an exception? The DNA of drones tells the story when the spermatheca is dissected. Did she present that number as the standard/average, or more of an "up to" description? I'm just recycling the science that others have reported based on their studies.
@@FrederickDunn copy and paste from the video time index 33:02 mate with dozens of drones all right so she will meet with dozens of drones and 33:08 the most recent research shows that she can mate with upwards of 77 drones we 33:13 used to say 12 to 14 was an average but more recent studies showed that they can meet with upwards of 70 I think the 33:19 highest number was 77 drones um and there are actually benefits to 33:25 this to mating multiple and to having these multiple Petra lines in the colony
@@FrederickDunn out and mates she will 33:02 mate with dozens of drones all right so she will meet with dozens of drones and 33:08 the most recent research shows that she can mate with upwards of 77 drones we 33:13 used to say 12 to 14 was an average but more recent studies showed that they can meet with upwards of 70 I think the 33:19 highest number was 77 drones um and there are actually benefits to 33:25 this to mating multiple and to having these multiple Petra lines in the colony 33:31 This is what I wanted to send you of the good Dr.
So driving out to the bee yard today. What do I see? A good 5 to 7 lbs swarm gathered on a tree branch right in front of my hives. Had no way to get to it to shake them off into a box. Feels sad man.
Thanks Fred! Another great Q&A full of information. I believe you had said in a previous Q&A that you had converted all of your Langstroth hives to singles deeps. I am contemplating this as well and was wondering what a potential downside would be. I imagine that 1 potential downside would be that single-deep hives may have a higher tendency to swarm since they can run out of room quickly. Is this true and are their other downsides?
@@FrederickDunn awesome! Thanks also for the recommendation of the Hive Butler. I Used it to do splits and set up hives in another location. Love its versatility.
@@emilandrusko8597 You are welcome! I find new uses for those totes every year, and I have one loaded with my swarm gear, very handy :) Thanks for sharing!
Just because you have nice weather and it may feel that way to you. Better than the snow that is falling for me. Don’t know how we are both in ag zone 4. Not sure what a or b means.
That figure 8 flight question made me wonder how far away bees can see a human to attack if they were Africanized bees that have been riled up? But a person who isn’t marked with pheromones from previous stings.
I think that movement is also key when it comes to bees on a raid. Lots of Africanized bee reports mention that they seemed to go for anything that was moving. Interesting observation!
I only run deeps, the uniformity is a real benefit for me. I typically always suggest new beekeepers use the same size equipment, but different strokes for different folks. Hopefully it's a bountiful season for you and your bees.
There's a place you can get concrete hives and molds to pour your own. You can even chain them down if theft is a real problem even after you put them in concrete. They look like a little bee pagota. If they try to steal these hives, they'll have to work for it!
Thanks for a wonderful video … the use of queen pheromone didn’t seem to work for me (it may have been too old). But I have used it successfully to place it on a frame on a nuc to scoop out bees in a cluster in hard to reach places (like branches). I place the bees on the frame with the queen pheromone and the bees fan to attract the rest of the bees… it makes bees a lot easier to the cluster. Thanks!
!I 'm sure you'r e gonna hear it but it is April 21st (not May) - I think! Thanks for answering my question on the Lyson stands. I think I am going to use a 2x4 and scab it with a 2x6. I like the idea of having 3" on the front and back of the hive to reduce the chance of a hive falling off the stand.
I have the Lyson stands too. I started laying 2x4’s on the flat so that they sit 1/4” inside the bottom board screwed to the stand. Then you can put a couple screws through the bottom board into the flat 2x4’s.
Hi Fred, is there a calculation of how many hives you can have from a resource standpoint before the bees outstrip the environment that supports them? Seems a challenge to quantify but maybe there is a different number vs rural and urban. I have 5 colonies on 52 acres (rural) and while I'm sure more colonies could be supported, there are also bumblebees and feral honeybee colonies to think about. PS: The property belongs to a family friend , they get a pound of honey in return per year. Many thanks for reviewing.
That is entirely dependent upon the environment. You can absolutely exhaust the resources in any given area. Some entomologists to walks where they evaluate pollinator density when something is blooming. If you overload your apiary, you'll see lower per-hive honey yields. So, for example if you've found the same overall honey production from 15 colonies that you gained with 10, then the resources are being split between the colonies. That means you could get the same honey harvest from 10 that you would have with 15. It the colonies are having problems gaining weight, you're at your limit.
@@FrederickDunn Many thanks Fred! The honey production per colony during a year with good rainfall yields 65-80 pounds of honey / colony and they usually only need 35-40 pounds for winter.
1) Can you tell us a little more about Lyson hive stands, and why you notched 4x4 lumber when they are designed for 2x4 lumber? 17:18
2) You used Eco-Wood, others have mentioned that their wood still warps or comes apart at the finger joints. I would love your opinion. 20:50
3) It seems like lots of additional equipment is needed when starting beekeeping. Could you estimate what extra standby equipment you might need for a Langstroth Hive? 24:59
4) How long after bees swarm, can few remaining bees raise a new queen? 35:46
5) This is an update regarding the BetterBee Better-Comb being installed upside down. I am highly impressed by the company. 39:39
6) I looked at capped brood and it was brown in color. Should the cappings be light beeswax? 41:38
7) Not all swarms are created equal! Be prepared for any surprises you may receive from unsettled, or defensive bees. 43:45
8) You present your Langstroth Hives without venting or top entrances, why does your Long Langstroth seem to contradict that? Can you explain why you recommend upper venting in the Long Langstroth? 53:10
9) You said that queens don't mate with drones from their own colony. I have heard that from many sources. How does that work? 59:41
10) Do you know if anyone has ever tried to teach bees to groom off varroa by putting a dab of honey on the mites? 1:09:41
11) I think I killed my Queen in a mite wash. Should I re-Queen or let them make a queen? 1:13:37
12) Here in NW Texas we've had extremely dry winter weather. Spring isn't providing as it should. I'm wondering if I should put my bees on light syrup? I have pollen patties but fear that it would encourage brood production when Mother Nature isn't providing. 1:18:13
13) I noticed that when bees are departing the hive, they make a figure eight as they rise up and fly off. My question is, did this orientation flight mimic the waggle dance from inside the hive? Or is this typically how they orient themselves? 1:23:14
14) I have 3 very small over-wintered colonies that I am worried about. Can I mix leftover Hive Alive Fondant with pollen substitute to make patties to feed my bees? 1:26:46
Bro you're the best. Are you that guy who does it every time?
Thank you Adam for putting together the time stamps each week, I do appreciate it.
April 21, here in North Georgia!
Your snarky sense of humor makes every video well-worth watching! God, how I love it!💜
Dear Jackie, I'm here for people just like you! :)
I have 6 acre fields that used to be used for corn , it’s taken me 5 years to cover the fields in dead nettle , imperial clover , daisies, blue violets and I planted 5 pounds of dandelion seeds and sections of my farm are golden and thick with dandelions and daisies, my dad is one of those guys that makes his lawn look like a fairway and putting green, the thing that amazes me is that my dad does this 100% chemical free and he is 84 years old , the point is that all of these folks that hire lawn services to chemically keep their lawn green , my dad uses $150 worth of st. Augustine plugs and he hand installs his one acre of plugs , the moral is that it can be done chemically free if you so choose and if my dad can do it at 84 anyone can , I actually spend more money planting dandelions and clover lol , I broke the cycle and it drives my dad crazy to look at my fields but I tell him it looks like heaven to me to see all of the so called weeds and bees everywhere 😋❤️❤️I forgot to add , I changed a corn farm into 24 acres of bee heaven with a 3.5 acre pond just for the bees and every duck known to man ❤
Your Dad is a rare individual indeed. Weed-and-feed is pretty much the lawn care standard with most lawns. Thanks for sharing about the alternative :)
I just installed my betterbee frame replacements today, and was pleasantly surprised when I heard my name on todays shot!! Thanks for mentioning my results with your viewers… thanks for doing what you do!!! ~Allen
Thanks for sharing that update! I think it's alway important to give updates when there are issues. :)
You're answering a lot of questions for me on this episode, still almost a half an hour to go and it's my favorite of the day!
Wanted a no-mow for ages. Red clover, purple dead nettle, thyme, so much you can do. Look forward to Fred-days!! The videography is so lovely. Thanks for these informative vids!
Red clover not the best for the Honey bees. Long tongue bees likes bumbles are better suited for it.
That's a long-term goal! Dead Nettle is spreading pretty good so far.
Live in mid TN, humidity issues. I have 5 frame deep nucs with single 1" dia. hole entrances, no vents at all. Use second 5 frame deep box when catching swarms. A swarm that was caught last year wintered well, now I have had to add third box. During mid day they beard so much that it looks like a solid pillar of bees. So I just built new top with single 1" screened vent centered. Will let the bees decide if they want extra ventilation or not themselves. Will give update if they seal it off.
some very good tips and tricks thank you Frederick !
All the best to you and your bees ,keep being brings sweet reward , love from Australia !
I have to admit this is my most favorite episode I've seen so far! I don't do Facebook so I can't, or won't, be able to view what you were talking about at the end of the episode. Thanks for all you share with us, you are truly a teacher of bee related things that I trust. Having a resource to learn from is always a plus and you are appreciated!
Thank you, Tommy!
Second that. 😉
Can a Beek Group please be on something else too. Won't do Facebook on principle !
Surely their is an open Domain allied to UA-cam Viewers or Pod listeners.
Fakebook gives me Hives (the itchy type !)😕
Fred, I am half the way through your video. Will listen to the second half on the way back home later today. Thanks for your detailed explanation on drones not feeding themselves. Now I am not sure if drones feeding themselves:) What one observes is often more accurate than what it in the paper. Please keep observing drones and keep us updated. In the meantime, I will look for more studies that examined feeding patterns of drones.
Absolutely, I never stop observing and trying to see exactly what's going on. Drones are getting more attention lately. Thanks for your comment.
Yes! TG it's Fred-day! Thanks for answering my question. Have a great weekend!
Liked the opening about thievery, it does happen, and it reminded me I need to place a unique marker or two on hidden areas on my upcoming hives. Some people ridicule you as paranoid for doing such things even now, I think they just haven't come to terms with the world we live in today. Can't wait for the rest of the episode, had to comment early while it was still fresh on my mind.
Just 'cause you're paranoid, doesn't mean you're wrong.
@@abstract1dea True, and never let anyone brow beat you into following their herd. People that jump on the bandwagon have no idea what they are doing usually, I have paranoia about my known threats every day. Paranoia might just equal being prepared, at least that's the way I have been led to believe.
Apple AirTag would be a good way to track those would be thieves….
swarm #5 today....tried the qmp noodle,....they werent very attracted to it at all, wonder if its too old?,,,still got em w ladder,put the noodle back in fridge,about time to check my drones captured in queen isolation frame holder,as they should be emerged,
Sorry Fred. What did you say. Can you please repeat yourself. I was so mesmerised watching the Ob Hive. I did not hear a word you said. LOL. Great stuff as always. Sadly we are shutting down here in Australia as the weather is turning cooler 🤪🐝
Hi Peter, is it true that in NSW, the Government is baiting and killing all bee species in an attempt to control the varroa mite? I realize you may not be in that part of the country, but someone sent a video to me that was pretty drastic.
Not all species, just the western/European honey bees. Feral colonies and owned colonies. A designated radius around mite findings, all hives are euthanased. I don’t think the mites go on the stingless bees as they are a lot smaller.
Fires and flooding have also taken a toll on native solitary bees, I haven’t seen many blue banded bees this year.
I think a swarm recorded from an observation hive would be fantastic.
I think you're right! :) ua-cam.com/video/6WOMXYh8y4E/v-deo.html
What do you do with deep frames that are loaded with pollen from last year? I seem to have quite a few and takes up a lot of the queen's laying space. I am adding foundations periodically to build new wax but wonder what to do with all the extra.
Hi Ann, that's a great question, and a topic that I think many others may be interested in. So, I've added it to this Friday's Q&A. Thank you.
Hi Fred hope you are well , we get thefts and hive damage in uk 🇬🇧 unfortunately we have dodgy light fingered folk the same as you , have a fab week and a better week ahead hopefully 👍🏻
ECO-Wood is a wood treatment not a sealant, Thank you Fred.
I have tried to explain this to beekeepers when ever the topic comes up, I try to explain to them the difference and how to remedy the issues.
Never apologise for the length of your broadcast, someone some where will be learning from it, as I do every time x
Thanks, Emma!
I always feed any type of hard food in a take away tray unturned over the hole in the crown board, no disturbance. Great vid again thanks
Fred in Missouri it’s April 21st 😂
Oh man! I blew that didn't I! (';')( ';')... I'm sure no one else noticed, let's keep that on the down low...
@@FrederickDunn yessir love your channel keep it up!
You were in rare form today, as they say in Ireland. Thanks so much. I guess I am going to brace myself for more investment in equipment. At least I'll know how to use it from your excellent videos. Yeah, two years ago in our area a guy stole a bunch of hives. He ended up going to prison. One reason to get to know the local bee keeping association. They let you know what's going on.
Yes, associations definitely look out for one another in their membership. Thanks for sharing.
i have dead nettles in my lawn (i think) , i did not know what they were. Devon UK. great work Fred:)
your comments on having your kit ready and bee belt are having me laughing on the floor!
I notice some bees in that observation hive hanging out in a horizontal strip of burr comb against the glass at various points in the video- Is it possible that the bees regularly use temporary comb (or other misshapen/difficult comb structures) as rest areas?
They put that brace-comb against the glass, and yes I've noticed that many workers like to park themselves at that barrier and rest for extended periods. Keen observation there!
Question? I didn’t have good results using the extended release OA. Now I have a mite issue. The weather has been warmer during the day but freezing at night. Difficulty getting last minute miticide due to supply issues. I happen to have Gard three from last year so I went ahead and put that on today I ordered might check that still isn’t here. How soon do you think I could put that on when it does arrive. Thank you for your input and your channel which I listen to it once a week.
Permission to use extended release OA has been withdrawn due to unexpected issues with the sponge composition. OAV is what I personally recommend. Rather than try to explain the parameters of different miticides, I highly recommend that you visit BetterBee, and read the literature they provide with each treatment. They are very thorough, and update as things change. I wish you all the best. www.betterbee.com/pest-management/pest-management-and-medications.asp NOTE, if they don't carry the miticide you're thinking about, I personally wouldn't use it.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you. I have always had great pest management practices but went down the rabbit hole. And then waited to long to get back out. I have a vaporizer but the electric element has proved difficult. I am not comfortable hooking up batteries or hauling them around. Thank you for your alway down to earth comments and valuable information.
You said May 21! Welcome to April 🐝
I know I know... and thanks for noticing :) BUT, at least I know you were paying attention :)
GREAT INFO on drones,paint,thieves,etc...,,,anybody tries my backyard GOODLUCK,,cameras on left side ,,,on right and back they'll break their necks tryin to get thru brush tundra
I think you're safe, Steve! Just lowering your profile to a thief is part of the game.
Hey Fred.
>>> Its Fri APRIL 21st !!!
You went Hey its May (?)
Thought you and your Beekeeping Skills now do Time Travel too ! 🙃
[Would of been neat to jump to "Welcome to 205 It's May 21st" (?) Then we could of Bumped Thru the last Snow and Ice Warnings.] Alas a Cold Snap is due to happen on Tues 25th !
Then we have our last Meet Up of the Bee Club here in Scotland 🏴 on Wednesday 26th April.
That must mean Bee Season 🐝has started if the Bee Club are to busy to meet in person. 🤭
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Happy Beekeeping 2023
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
It's true, I'm a space folder...
Thank you Fred! As always, informative and interesting. I was laughing out loud at your Paul Kelly belt practice scenarios… you’re right- just like in the westerns you don’t want to have to look to find your queen clip. This is exactly how my tool bin gets dumped on the grass every time I have to find it in a hurry.
:) It's pure fun! Thanks, Karen! :) hello to the gang!
Another Great one Thanks Fred !!! Have a fantastic weekend!
Always great stuff Frederick.
Question for you my friend. I’m about to split a thriving hive to start a new hive-and the current hive is just now building queen cups.
When I split the hive-the old queen is going into the new hive and then very quickly, I presume the old hive will build queen replacement cells. My question is-once the old hive has produced numerous swarm or supersedure cells, should I go in and remove all of them except the best cell; and won’t this help control them from swarming and to help them just focus on making a new queen?
Grateful. Hope I made myself clear.
Hi Brad, removing the queen and some of her brood is a great move. Regarding the remaining queen cells that are in production, those will satisfy their need for a replacement. I personally don't remove the extra queen cells as they seem to have definite preferences, and the first queen will almost always (almost) head over and kill the competing new queens. I'm glad your bees are doing so well, and I wish you the best as you split that colony.
Love love love your take on being prepared with protective gear, sugar water spray, etc. You’re so right. It’s not just about us and our safety, but the safety of everyone who is in sight distance of the removal. Well said, Fred. A true educator.
Thank you! :)
Sassy Pants Malone!! Love it. Really enjoy your talks 🐝
:)
Honey Trapped : Wanted Signs Western Style. 🤭
Maybe Smokee Bandit(s) cannot draw a Hive Tool fast enough... Instead Steals Hives rather than attend Bee Class and do it the Legit Way ! Meet you at High Noon Sucker My Girls are all out busy Foraging then, so you won't get them ! Ha !]
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
Happy Beekeeping 2023
🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝
In my garage this afternoon just listening to Fred on Spotify, cutting and grinding some metal to make hive stands, assuming I don’t burn my garage down with the new welder I bought when what comes rolling through my speakers….
Sassy pants….
👏🏻
Oh, C-1 Grinding School! I hope all of your welds pass :) keep that fire extinguisher handy :)
Hi Fred, can you not use drywall corner metal strips for the joints. This is for your reply to question 2 @23:34 Thank you for taking the time to share all the knowledge.
I think I'd like to use brass, because it would look fancy. I know the drywall corners you're talking about but I wouldn't like that personally. Are they rust resistant?
You are right the metal ones are not, I have seen some Aluminum tile trim or brass corner strips / guards / protectors, as the warping tends to be more pronounced on the corners. Maybe those can help. Can be used on the inside or outside.
Something like these www.aliexpress.com/item/33017866762.html?spm=a2g0o.productlist.main.55.42fb5815UnUZJz&algo_pvid=112c93b9-05e8-4f99-944a-a66952588ef0&algo_exp_id=112c93b9-05e8-4f99-944a-a66952588ef0-27&pdp_npi=3%40dis%21CAD%214.31%212.8%21%21%21%21%21%4021227a0f16822248093188040d071c%2167172973041%21sea%21CA%210&curPageLogUid=utg5qpbC4CyQ
Hey Fred.
My hive is orientated to south-east. The other day i accidentally left a crack opened in the back of the hive, that is facing north-west, and i noticed, that about 90% of the foragers used that crack instead of the main entrance. Hive is in full sun location from around 8:30 in the morning. Does that mean, my bees wants to go against the rules and prefer the northern side?
It's not that they prefer the northern side, it's that they tend to move through any opening in the hive structure.
Good morning Mr. Dunn, I plan on using the blue Nitrile gloves, my leather gloves just seem balky. Should I double them up or are they thick enough to use as is?
I use those as a single layer. They keep your hands clean and the bees aren't very interested in that surface. But, you can receive stings through them. If you are stung with a nitrile glove, you can remove the glove and the stinger goes with it :)
"Wear your bee belt to the dinner table". That's Fred Dunn gold!!!! Bravo, Fred!
:)
Hello Fred! Two points. First I notice the migratory lid warpage. If you look at the endgrain, you can predict which way the board will warp and orient the board accordingly. This includes corner joints. I use splined mitre joints on my ten frame boxes. No end grain exposed, glued and nailed, and Eco Wood treatment. No warpage for 3 years and running.
Thanks for sharing!
Fred can you remember where you purchased your observation hive? I’m looking for a video on how you put it together.
That depends on which one? I have three different styles. If it will be inside, this is my tallest and most versatile one: ua-cam.com/video/jZsvDvO-BKA/v-deo.html the shorter ones that are in my Way To Bee Building are here: ua-cam.com/video/QE7IaqVAIPk/v-deo.html
No Fred, there are parts of the country that has no pollen available now, which is counter to your thought at 1:30. Here in NW MN winter isn't done with us yet. A fresh blanket of snow and temperature is at 24 deg F at 655am. Enjoy your videos and photography.
If winter isn't through with you yet, then they are hopefully still in torper. I was just looking at the pollen map that has a pollen band from San-Diego to Maine. Sorry if I did too much of a blanket statement there :) I'm sure there are pollen-free pockets still. Sorry about that.
Here in California, we have had an unusually wet and cold winter. As a result, I was unable to open the hive for inspections or to add space as the number of bees increased. By the time I was able to get into the hive, there was already a capped queen cell. I only saw one. A week later they swarmed. I recovered it and started a second hive. Two days later, the first hive swarmed again. Two days later they swarmed a third time. Three days later, it swarmed a fourth time! I've never heard of four swarms from the same hive. Apparently, there must have been more than one capped queen cell. Now, both hives appear to be doing fine. Any insights?
This happened to me in the fall. I lost the late swarms in the cold snap Cali had.
This spring I had a nice hive... No queen, I had 5 queen cells. I split the hive, cut out 2 cells, placed in split. One has hatched and waiting for the other hive to emerge. 🤞
It can happen that some colonies swarm themselves down to a nucleus sized colony. Those afterswarms are traveling with unmated queens. It's a gamble for all of them. If you can collect those afterswarms and remove their queens, they will return to the parent colony. It does happen.
Fred how many seasons did the wax coating last on your Hover hive? Thanks.
It went 3 years. I put it out in the spring of 2020.
Glad you keep it real. 😂😂😂😂😂
Hello Dear Mister Frederik 🥰🥰🥰🥰
I love the oops department at HD. Usually the first place I look.
I also ask for scratch and dent items :) That's how I got my chicken coop doors :)
Placed the new Queen on Thursday. plan to see if she’s been released later today. Found no mites in the wash
Excellent!
I don't remember the name of the video but there was a man the number on the Queen was a tracker if she left he could tell swarm or borrowed he could find her
Wow, that's interesting! If you find the video, please link it. :)
Hi Fred: question regarding Hive Alive fondant… can you dissolve any unused fondant with your 1:1 sugar syrup? If so, do you know the ratio? I threw away fermented pollen patties (a whole box $$$) in February, and would prefer to not try to store the Hive Alive until next winter - even in the freezer. Once opened, it becomes a sticky mess, even with Saran or freezer bags trying to reseal it. I did try to open feed it as a solid, but as with honey, some bees get stuck and cannot escape.
Wouldn’t it be cool if the company had a peel off / re stick seal - like baby wipes - to keep the sticky off hive tools and gloves when trying to open and place the fondant packs on the inner cover?
Thanks!
I just cut around the edges, peel off plastic and put the fondant in hot water, if you leave it overnight, it dissolves into the water and is easy to finish stirring in. I don't add anything else to it. I put the fondant in a mizing bowl, then add water to the level of the fondant remnants and stirr. :)
@@FrederickDunn thanks!
I’m so inspired. Going to ask for a bee belt for Mother’s Day!
I like mine :) and I paid full price for it, so I don't want people to think that they gifted it to me :)
Ohio weather has been HORRIBLE. Everything is blooming, 80 degrees one day, down to 50 the next. 32 degrees the next 2-3 nights in a row with scattered snow/sleet. I'm almost afraid to do splits!
And rain is headed this way also. I personally am not ready to do any splits yet. But things are definitely building.
@@FrederickDunn I have 1 hive that is bursting at the seams. 😱 More frost tonight.
Thank you for another great video. I was wondering about the genetics of Queens. My question is; With all the mixing of drone genetics from mating how does one know that a queen is a Saskatraz or a Carniolan or any other breed? I have been wondering about this since I bought a Saskatraz queen last year. Thank you!!!
When you buy a Saskatraz queen here in the U.S., it's a hybrid because they open mate them in California. But, if you get one in Canada, it's a straight Saskatraz. This is why keepers who buy them here often have varying results. The breeders use insemination with known genetics, that's the only true control of their genetics. Big breeders set up drone yards as well as queen finisher yards with mating nucleus colonies/hives. That improves the chances by a lot. However, if you purchase a queen and then she swarms out and is replaced, you're back to localized hybrids.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you so much. You confirmed my thoughts and added new information for my knowledge bank.
Hey Fred. The other day when I was going through my hives I had several that had queen cells in them. So I went ahead and made 4 splits with them and fed thin sugar syrup. They have all developed diarrhea on the front of the hives. Do you know what would have made this happen? The only thing I can thing of is the sugar syrup.
I mixed It fresh that day so It wouldn’t be spoiled. None of the parent hives are having this issue either.
Thanks in advance.
David Shrewsberry.
I don't think it was the sugar syrup unless you were feeding it to them while you still have freezing temps. Dysentery can have other causes. If they can fly, that's not the issue.
@@FrederickDunn we haven’t had any freezing temps lately. It hasn’t been the warmest but has been above freezing. Thanks for your reply.
Hi Fred… wouldn’t it be lovely… if the companies that you support and give shout outs to actually valued the free advertising you gave them by giving you a cut on your purchases… not free… but something is better than nothing! Fair…!!!😮🍻😉
Hi John, the beauty of that is I don't have any expectation. Many companies have offered me free stuff, I just tend to prefer to buy it so I can give a clear opinion. I'm also very happy to refer my viewers to companies that provide quality gear at reasonable prices. It just feels good to me. :) If we receive something free, or in exchange for a video, I have to declaire that, and add that the video has a featured item that I was compensated for.
@@FrederickDunn … gr8 to keep integrity… but! I still get a good laugh at the way you bring that across… many thanks… really wish I could have bees… HOA !!!
If you truly don't want bees, have a giveaway of a nuc each week or month, until you reach your optimum apiary size. I am sure your subscribers would enjoy the whole experience. 🤓🤓🤓🤓
Thanks for that idea, but I have mentees that are more than happy to have them :)
@@FrederickDunn us mentals like bees too😜🤪😜🤪😝
"Turn the lights out, 'Get your queen cage out!'"
🤣
Brings me back to my military days when tearing down / building certain items 😂
:) It's fun to have drills :)
GrillingNetwork - I used to love those drills. And memory of motion is real :) so glad to give you a flashback!
As a Doctor, I have to let you know that the pollens reported on allergy sites are not those that the bees are looking for. Humans tend to be mostly allergic to grass pollen, and bees, as far as I know, have no interest in that. Similarly, some folk think that eating honey or pollen from local hives may help them develop blocking antibodies which might help with their hay fever. This is unlikely, because, again, bees don't generally collect those pollens which cause human allergies.
Thank you for chiming in with your opinion about pollen. If you looked at the graphic I posted, the cited pollen is from trees. Yes, there are many sources of grass pollen, and not all pollen is useful to the bees. I respect that you are a MD, I agree that science doesn't support the consumption of pollen as a method of dealing with pollen borne allergies... some holistic beekeepers will not be convinced that RAW regional honey isn't helping with allergies. You're far more qualified to comment on that than I am. Thank you for sharing.
@@FrederickDunn
Thank you for your kind reply. I guess it would help everyone if the pollen count included a breakdown showing which pollens were most prevalent in the samples counted. That wouldn't be hard to do, and it might be more useful to hay fever sufferers, too, if they've been allergy tested,and know which pollen irks them.
As regards tree pollen. Well, yes, some folk are allergic to that, and there is a theoretical possibility that consuming the allergen you're having problems with, might help, by stimulating your immune system to produce blocking antibodies which bind the pollen before it causes the reaction.
These are matters I've researched a bit, because as well as being a GP here in Australia, I am also a hay fever sufferer!
BTW, I'm a newbie beekeeper in my first year, and right now I'm just there for the girls themselves, having filled both my hives with swarms. I've not taken anything from them yet, as life is tough enough for them this early in their careers! I'm about to nurture them through their first winter. Wish me luck!
Hiya Fred, iv just noticed my bees are three bee deep on the fresh nectar in the brood comb when they have capped honey above in the super, my good friend and experienced bee keeper said that I need to count frames of brood and stores so I know if they are eating stores or storing stores so i will know if there is a possibility of starvation. My hives are full of bees, they look really good but if she hadn’t said what she said I wouldn’t have realised that they were using more stores than filling cells with nectar. Please if you have time do a fluff section on brood/stores/ bee ratio and the importance of realising if they are using rather than storing and they may starve. I now have sugar syrup ready just incase the stores dwindle and I have to feed. Your opinion would be great as always x
The problem with trying to assess resources that way is that there are days when they can bring in several pounds of nectar in a very short amount of time. The reason I say that is because it's not really predictable, and you can't break it down so simply. The bees automatically will draw back on brood production (egg production) when they sense that not enough is coming through the entrance. I just allow them to increase or decrease on their own. BUT, if they are really light in weight, that's a colony that needs help.
Thanks x
it is illegal to steal property. When there is an Art being conducted at a very high precession good luck. A Master Beekeeper ends up learning the most basic form of the Art of War. Defensive tactics, sickness tactics, swarm management and the water bee lol When the yard is painted like a rainbow get ready for full power once the beams are focused back. Department of energy on a BB. Loop Daddy has a good song called Wake Up
Better Bee is a fantastic company. I had ordered a box of Better Comb and it arrived broken. They sent replacements quickly and without problems.
Hello, Mr. Dunn! Would you mind explaining your method for preventing swarms? Thank you!
Other than supering ahead of the hive being full, I don't do much else. If I find queen cells in production during an inspection, I remove the current queen with a brood frame and park her in a nucleus hive for safe keeping. You can do everything correctly, and still have a swarm, but those are some of the key things to do. Some people find that opening the entrance all the way can help if they appear cramped.
@@FrederickDunn Thank you!
“Corner bracket plates “
Angle iron for mending or preventing those finger joints from separation and it comes in several types of materials. That would be an easy fix or preventive measure.
Question # 9 April 2023 HCBA Meeting - Dr Elina Nino To reQueen or not to reQueen
I just watched a recent video from a Dr. Elkins Nino and she said that queens will mate with drones numberings in around the 70’s. Please give her a look see and maybe do an interview. Always great shows Fred.
That would be an extremely high number of matings. Certainly that must be an exception? The DNA of drones tells the story when the spermatheca is dissected. Did she present that number as the standard/average, or more of an "up to" description? I'm just recycling the science that others have reported based on their studies.
@@FrederickDunn copy and paste from the video time index
33:02 mate with dozens of drones all right so she will meet with dozens of drones and 33:08 the most recent research shows that she can mate with upwards of 77 drones we 33:13 used to say 12 to 14 was an average but more recent studies showed that they can meet with upwards of 70 I think the 33:19 highest number was 77 drones um and there are actually benefits to 33:25 this to mating multiple and to having these multiple Petra lines in the colony
@@FrederickDunn out and mates she will 33:02 mate with dozens of drones all right so she will meet with dozens of drones and 33:08 the most recent research shows that she can mate with upwards of 77 drones we 33:13 used to say 12 to 14 was an average but more recent studies showed that they can meet with upwards of 70 I think the 33:19 highest number was 77 drones um and there are actually benefits to 33:25 this to mating multiple and to having these multiple Petra lines in the colony 33:31
This is what I wanted to send you of the good Dr.
Bees are like a accordion........you will need to have enough equipment to go up and back down
Good analogy!
Cory Stevens quote.
So driving out to the bee yard today. What do I see? A good 5 to 7 lbs swarm gathered on a tree branch right in front of my hives. Had no way to get to it to shake them off into a box. Feels sad man.
Bucket on a pole? (';')... that's a lot of bees to let fly. How high were they? I'm with you, I would hate to not be able to hive a swarm.
@@FrederickDunn about 12 feet, and I only had my car so really couldn't stand on it to try to reach them.
Thanks Fred! Another great Q&A full of information. I believe you had said in a previous Q&A that you had converted all of your Langstroth hives to singles deeps. I am contemplating this as well and was wondering what a potential downside would be. I imagine that 1 potential downside would be that single-deep hives may have a higher tendency to swarm since they can run out of room quickly. Is this true and are their other downsides?
I have added this topic to my list for Friday's Q&A, Thanks Emil :)
@@FrederickDunn awesome! Thanks also for the recommendation of the Hive Butler. I Used it to do splits and set up hives in another location. Love its versatility.
@@emilandrusko8597 You are welcome! I find new uses for those totes every year, and I have one loaded with my swarm gear, very handy :) Thanks for sharing!
Dandelions? We are still getting snow in northern MN. 😭😭
Sorry :(
April 21st Fred😊
Thank you, Anita :) I knew I must have been ahead of the rest of the world :)
Just because you have nice weather and it may feel that way to you. Better than the snow that is falling for me. Don’t know how we are both in ag zone 4. Not sure what a or b means.
Good show today Fred learning more and more
Thanks, Rick :)
I had to peace out when your advice involved making a friend 🙏
That figure 8 flight question made me wonder how far away bees can see a human to attack if they were Africanized bees that have been riled up? But a person who isn’t marked with pheromones from previous stings.
I think that movement is also key when it comes to bees on a raid. Lots of Africanized bee reports mention that they seemed to go for anything that was moving. Interesting observation!
oh yeah .....its spring ,love it
I only run deeps, the uniformity is a real benefit for me. I typically always suggest new beekeepers use the same size equipment, but different strokes for different folks. Hopefully it's a bountiful season for you and your bees.
Always lots of choices, that's why I try to provide both sides of what configurations can do for bees and keepers.
May 21st? Is this from last year?
No, I'm just not very aware apparently... I was off a Month.
grass sucks!
There's a place you can get concrete hives and molds to pour your own.
You can even chain them down if theft is a real problem even after you put them in concrete.
They look like a little bee pagota.
If they try to steal these hives, they'll have to work for it!
I don't think I'm willing to go that far. Some bee rustlers remove the frames and leave the hives. But concrete sounds like a deterrent for sure.
Thanks!
Thank you! I appreciate your generosity! :) Enjoy your weekend :)
🇱🇨👍🏼♥️
Thanks for a wonderful video … the use of queen pheromone didn’t seem to work for me (it may have been too old). But I have used it successfully to place it on a frame on a nuc to scoop out bees in a cluster in hard to reach places (like branches). I place the bees on the frame with the queen pheromone and the bees fan to attract the rest of the bees… it makes bees a lot easier to the cluster. Thanks!
When swarm season gets going, I find it works best. This early mine isn't attracting anything, but I'm sort of setting the stage for them :)
love the observation hives, so cool
Thanks!
!I 'm sure you'r e gonna hear it but it is April 21st (not May) - I think! Thanks for answering my question on the Lyson stands. I think I am going to use a 2x4 and scab it with a 2x6. I like the idea of having 3" on the front and back of the hive to reduce the chance of a hive falling off the stand.
I have the Lyson stands too. I started laying 2x4’s on the flat so that they sit 1/4” inside the bottom board screwed to the stand. Then you can put a couple screws through the bottom board into the flat 2x4’s.
I have discovered time-travel, I'm trying not to share the details... for you, it was April 21st. Now, that's history :)
May?? It's still April in Indiana😂😂
That's because you haven't discovered relativity yet... (';')... and you're right.
LOL!
May 21st or april?
April... you pass the test :) !
They work good along with clover I got half of my yard done
Are you talking about dead nettles? :)
Thanks! 👍
Martha, YOU are just plain TOO generous! :)
What is a qmp
Queen Mandibular Pheromone.
Thanks!
Thank you, Yvonne! I really appreciate the support. I will celebrate your contribution as I have a cappuccino this morning :)
I think this was my favorite episode yet!
Thank you :)
Love your work, but near the end we couldn’t see the bee belt demo 🙂❤️
I'll have to repeat that some day :) Sorry.
@@FrederickDunn Lol, all good. Thank you for all your hard works! ❤️
Wow, the time lapse is cool.
Thank you! It was fun to do!
Bees are livestock.
Yes, honey bees are livestock and under the department of Agriculture here in the United States.
Hi Fred, is there a calculation of how many hives you can have from a resource standpoint before the bees outstrip the environment that supports them? Seems a challenge to quantify but maybe there is a different number vs rural and urban.
I have 5 colonies on 52 acres (rural) and while I'm sure more colonies could be supported, there are also bumblebees and feral honeybee colonies to think about.
PS: The property belongs to a family friend , they get a pound of honey in return per year. Many thanks for reviewing.
That is entirely dependent upon the environment. You can absolutely exhaust the resources in any given area. Some entomologists to walks where they evaluate pollinator density when something is blooming. If you overload your apiary, you'll see lower per-hive honey yields. So, for example if you've found the same overall honey production from 15 colonies that you gained with 10, then the resources are being split between the colonies. That means you could get the same honey harvest from 10 that you would have with 15. It the colonies are having problems gaining weight, you're at your limit.
@@FrederickDunn Many thanks Fred! The honey production per colony during a year with good rainfall yields 65-80 pounds of honey / colony and they usually only need 35-40 pounds for winter.