Post by roadrunner on Apr 14, 2013 13:06:14 GMT
Hello
Well it would appear that I spoke to soon in my "Hello Introduction" as shortly afterwards we noted a marked decrease in activity in one of our hives. Today was nice and sunny at 20 degrees C so we elected to do an inspection in the lulls between the high winds.
That hive is a loss and there were only a hundred or so live bees remaining. This is very unfortunate as it is the hive that had the new queen. The other 5 were ok all appearing healthy and with young larvae and brood on between 2 to 5 frames. We do not know why they have died out as they still had plenty of food. It is our most exposed hive so maybe they got too cold, or perhaps the colony was too small to survive the harsh winter. This was one of my homemade hives made from 22mm plywood. It will now be cleaned up and used for swarm control.
This year will see a reduction in our hives to a maximum of 4 so we shall be doing some combining later on.
Just lately my mind has turned to "Bee Houses" does any one have experiences of these which they are willing to share?
Regards
Alan
Well it would appear that I spoke to soon in my "Hello Introduction" as shortly afterwards we noted a marked decrease in activity in one of our hives. Today was nice and sunny at 20 degrees C so we elected to do an inspection in the lulls between the high winds.
That hive is a loss and there were only a hundred or so live bees remaining. This is very unfortunate as it is the hive that had the new queen. The other 5 were ok all appearing healthy and with young larvae and brood on between 2 to 5 frames. We do not know why they have died out as they still had plenty of food. It is our most exposed hive so maybe they got too cold, or perhaps the colony was too small to survive the harsh winter. This was one of my homemade hives made from 22mm plywood. It will now be cleaned up and used for swarm control.
This year will see a reduction in our hives to a maximum of 4 so we shall be doing some combining later on.
Just lately my mind has turned to "Bee Houses" does any one have experiences of these which they are willing to share?
Regards
Alan