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    Queen mating / siting of Apidea

    I am developing a Queen rearing regime. I'm wondering when laying queens are resident in their mating hives what restrictions would there be on local movement. I have in mind using my mated queens to replace those who have done me well during previous seasons. My mating hives are situated 10...
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    Nucs Somerset

    Hi I am looking to sourse Nucs local to Somerset. Preferably early May if possible. Many thanks
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    Would you Adam and Eve it !

    I'm going to need a hand with this one. Looking out of my garage this afternoon I saw a number of flying bees. I followed a few of these to a brick joint in the external front wall of my house next to a first floor window. Ive watched for a good 15 and without doubt I appear to have collected...
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    My first hive

    Two constructive observations. 1. You don't seem to have left much room behind hive and between fence to allow space to work. 2. I'd be careful in way hive is balanced on the blocks. When bees potentially glue supers and you need to twist off I fear you might end up with a mess on the floor...
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    Wrecked hive full of Bees What next !

    Did its today. Removed super and roof full of ivy and wrecked frames. Scraped off remnants of queen excluder to expose the brood nest contained in a mixture of old frames tree roots and scrub. Rebuilt hive with a plywood board with. 4 holes cut therein New brood box and virgin frames Crown...
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    Wrecked hive full of Bees What next !

    Jobs a good un!
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    Wrecked hive full of Bees What next !

    Took a call today to examine a disused and abandoned hive in a local privately owned wood. On arrival I was confronted by a disaster. The hive was overgrown and rotten having obviously been left untouched for many a year. I watched the hive for 10 minutes and confirmed a steady flow of bees...
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    Buying a New Colony

    I'd also look at the seller and see if there is a wry smile.
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    Wow

    Checked apiary today, Despatched two Queen wasps. Opened entrance blocks to the max. Supered. + 1 Checked Varroa drop Max per hive 3 . Stores and brood in abundance. Found Queens. Sun out.
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    Fondant full !

    Probably didn't explain too well. I think that hives have almost full stores of sugar honey from syrup and fondant. I think I have over fed during winter break There is still room to lay and I am not too concerned about activities of Queen. I am trying to avoid mixing current stores with honey...
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    Fondant full !

    Took the opportunity today to examine the brood. Average 4 frames per hive with strong evidence of Queen activity. Have over wintered well and fed fondant when needed. The bees have storeswell of at least 7 super frames per hive. I know it is slightly early but am seeking advice. How do I...
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    Commercial queens

    Wondering. Does anyone have the low down on what types of queens that are used as a preferred choice by commercial bee farmers. Bearing in mind inspection times are bound to be limited and somewhat more clinical
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    Bee Keeping Stories

    My grandfather told me that once he got stung by a wasp; He was a farmer and lived in a house with land He allowed a local beekeeper to keep hives near an orchard. My grandmother made Jam.
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    Colony management now !

    Hi, I am looking to unconfuse myself. I have extracted two supers of honey and am currently treating my colonies . I have Brood box , eke and Apiguard on all hives. I am clearing Varroa which is evident on trays as I inspect. The brood has stored pollen and some capped honey at edges on a...
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    Ripening and clearing honey

    Thanks for the guidance. Finally . In order to avoid bubbles in the jars how do you actually pour the honey. seems a bit daft but do you open the honey gate and go for it or gently let it pour. Cheers
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