Yesterday, I noticed the first blackberry blossoms opening, about three
weeks ahead of normal. Most of the day in the bee yards, it was a steady
roar, as the most intense flow so far has started. Every time I tipped a
brood frame, my shoes got a bath. Help! My socks are stuck to my shoes - a
TERRIBLE problem.
I looked at some tupelo, day before yesterday, and it didn't look quite
open; at least there were no bees on it, but I expect that soon.
We got a huge swarm hived day before yesterday, and they are happily
cleaning up a deadout. I think they'll need a second box right away, as they
are still hanging out after a day.
I had three hives yesterday that had already hit the trees. Hard to work
with bees that have little brood. Most of the brood area filled with new
nectar. I just (sadly) give them a frame of brood with eggs, just in case
something happens to the new queen. I like to give them a second chance. By
the time I would know they are queenless, it's too late to recover them.
Hives that have no swarm cells are getting three frames pulled from the
center of the brood nest, and empty comb to replace it. The brood is either
placed above the excluder, or used for nucs.
Hives that have swarm cells are split. We had planned to raise cells, but
the early season has us caught short, and we may not ever get back to this
project. I love to work with swarm cells. Hives that are strong enough to
swarm are the kind I want.
I killed one queen as her brood had chalkbrood, and gave them a frame with
a cell on it. The ones with chalkbrood always wind up with no honey later in
the season. They eat it up, trying to make bees, but so many of them die,
without adding any productivity.
Late getting started, gotta go. You folks farther north, be patient, your
time is coming....... Our early season has got us short, with a lot of
equipment still not ready. We'll soon be down to putting in foundation in
the bee yard, unless we get a rainy day. At least Duragilt is quick and
easy to replace (Note: I have no connection with Dadant & Sons ;<)
[log in to unmask] Dave Green, PO Box 1200, Hemingway, SC
29554 (Dave & Jan's Pollination Service, Pot o'Gold Honey Co.)
Pollination for lay people, students, teachers
....Of bees, beekeepers, and food
http://users.aol.com/queenbjan/primbees.htm
Pollination for the pros - those involved in doing it:
Practical Pollination Home Page Dave & Janice Green
http://users.aol.com/pollinator/polpage1.html
Jan's Sweetness and Light Varietal Honeys and Gift Sets
http://users.aol.com/SweetnessL/sweetlit.htm
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