>To: [log in to unmask] >From: [log in to unmask] (Walter Patton) >Subject: Swarms > >Swarms are easy forget about anything except a cardboard box > ( Weight is a big factor as you find yourself perched in odd > places trying to fetch a swarm . I brought one home today. > > Try to get /make yourself a good swarm box and set it up > with movable frames so you can easily move the bees into > a regulation hive back home. I suggest doing all your bee >work in mid size supers as deep hive bodies are tooo heavy >for this oldtimer trying to take my time and get it all later in life. > > Be sure and provide good ventalation with screen panels in > top and sides. Sometimes you need to be able to cover the > ventalation holes tocause the bees to find the little entrance > built into one end down low. I bought some cardboard nuc > box/swarm boxes several years ago from Michigan they are > set up to hold five deep frames and the top is removable a >dream for picking up swarms. I would sell you one for > $15.00 plus postage. Swarms are very docile as they > have no hive/home to defend and swarms are the >most highly motovated group of bees available in bee keeping. > >Best of luck ,I've heard it said a"ASwarm in May is worth a load of Hay" > > Walter >A big ditto on the copy paper box great for emergancy captures. Walter & Elisabeth Patton, 27-703 A Ka' ie'ie Rd., Papaikou HI.,96781 Ph./Fax. 808-964-5401 E-Mail hihoney@ilhawaii Beekeeper and Bed & Breakfast Owner in Hawaii http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/hihoney.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/beeware.htm http://www.alohamall.com/hamakua/lamalani.htm