Hi all...
 
I have a few questions, and I hope you more experienced beekeepers can help
me out!
 
I will be starting with two colonies this spring; one is a full-blown hive
that a retired beekeeper is giving me (he's downsizing the number of hives
he has), and the other is a package of Buckfasts I'll be getting the first
week of April.
 
I plan to requeen the established colony (a swarm that this gentleman caught
last fall) with a Buckfast queen when I get my package.
 
I've been building all of my own equipment (that is, hammering my supers and
frames together) over the past two weeks (and nursing a hammered finger) and
am very excited about getting started!
 
A question about medication:  what's the best way to mix Terramycin into
patties?  All of the directions say to mix a 3 lb. can of Crisco with 3 lbs.
of powdered sugar along with the small package of Terramycin.  However, what
is the best method of mixing?  Should I just throw it all in the bowl of my
Kitchenaid mixer (would that be safe as long as I wash everything thoroughly
afterwards?), or does one melt the shortening first?  I have also seen
recipes for the Terra-patties that call for granulated sugar.  Is one type
of sugar better than another?
 
I plan to feed the package medicated (Fumidil) sugar syrup upon arrival;
should I also feed the established colony Fumidil as well, even if they have
honey stores and have been out foraging?  What about feeding pollen
substitute to the established hive (I have already planned to feed the
package with Bee Pro)?
 
Do I need to be concerned with robbing (the stronger hive vs. my new
package)?
 
I plan to use Apistan in the spring (just to get started) and then FGMO this
summer, and I'll report my results with that.
 
I don't know when I'll be getting the established hive from my beekeeper
friend (with the crazy weather we've been having here in California, who
knows?) but I am fairly sure this is going to happen within the next two
weeks and would like some advice.
 
I enjoy the discussions on the Bee-L, and thanks to many of you, such as
Andy, Joel Govostes, and Dr. Rodriguez, I have learned a great deal, and
have valued the cyber-mentoring I have received.  Any help and additional
advice would be very much appreciated...
 
Mary Caldwell
Benicia, CA
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