This summer has been an adventure with my expanding bee population. I have painfully learned so very much. My bee mentor, brother is coming the first of august to help me. Here are a few of the tips I have learned.
#1 When bringing the caged bees home from to place in the new hive, do not lean the box up against your chest to open the jeep back hatch. #OUCH
#2 Read the directions on putting the bees in the hives very carefully. The Dadant Catalogue has excellent step by step directions. Which I read over and over. I opened the wrong end of the Queen cage. Big mistake
#3 Make sure the smoker is going strong, and I always need a good helper. I tried to do the first one alone and the smoker ran out. The Bees rushed out and it panicked me. Thus the excuse for opening the wrong end.
#4 I did have the queens marked but struggle to locate her. Last time I checked the hives were very active. They were making honey. I have more supers to add.
#5 Have extra hives, I thought I was so smart and had my hives all set up for the new bees and a swarm came and took up residency. Quick trip over to Frankfort for another hive.
I love watching which flowers the bees prefer..... very interesting. Cone Flowers are very popular.
Lastly, make sure your mask is pulled tight. I gave my husband the total bee suit two weeks ago when we were going in to check the hives. He was fine, I as you can see I was not. The bees got up in my mask.
I am fine now.......Here are a few more scenes from my adventure. I will keep you updated. Hopefully some sweet honey for my efforts.
 |
| Here are my new bees waiting for a new home.... |
 |
| Hives set up and waiting.... but wait ....visitors already occupying one hive |
 |
| Getting the bees into the hive for a challenge for me! |
No comments:
Post a Comment