Hi All
 
A while back there was a discussion about what to do when a colonie
becomes pollen bound.
 
In my area we have a good winter pollen flow of various succulent
fauna and so on. Hence the hives get pollen bound as they are not
rearing as actively.
 
I used these pollen frames to settle swarms, as did not want to
sacrifice too many frames of brood - here our swarming season is
before the flow. Then I put the swarms in my cellar for three days
and fed them much honey by a drip feed (about half a cup a day of
pure honey - heated). (Note the cape bee can fly in egg laying
condition)
 
What I found is that after three days the queen had layed extensively
in all the cells available and as a result the swarms were settled.
Then putting them outside meant I did not have to worry about them
leaving. The swarms also seemed to be healthier than other swarms
that did not have the pollen frames.
 
Of a total of 23 swarms given pollen frames, 19 of them stayed. This
is as opposed to the far less successful system of putting them
straight in a box for which about half stayed.
 
Keep well
 
Garth
 
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Garth Cambray       Kamdini Apiaries
15 Park Road        Apis melifera capensis
Grahamstown         800mm annual precipitation
6139
Eastern Cape
South Africa               Phone 27-0461-311663
 
3rd year Biochemistry/Microbiology    Rhodes University
 
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in this post in no way
reflect those of Rhodes University.