You probably will think this daft but dowsers - water deviners, people who believe in the existence of lay lines think that the bees orientate their comb in line with lay lines of force. Had a talk by TBH "natural" BK recently who had problem with bees forming comb at 90 degrees to the top...
You are right .... I did spend 2 years of my earlier life learning to be a scouters. But failed and fled south. I am off to west Wales soon will look out for your bees
Interesting, I will go and have look.
Just have and he actually does say ".......all sealed QCs are removed, providing there are some unsealed QCs......"
Lets not argue about it and thank you for your reply
Yes you are absolutely right. Our association has an apiary where this form of exchange is encouraged. I would not recommend my Qs as her progeny swarmed 5 times last year despite my best endeavours
Thank you Itma, a very useful reply. Interesting isn't it to see the views of the essential reading books..... Hooper culls capped but leaves unsealed alone, other more modern prefer your solution. I actually did as you would but after 7 days since the Pagdon on inspection found yet another...
I am wondering what the consensus view might be on the following:-
Having just performed a Pagden I am faced with 5 or 6 charged QCs with uncapped larvae in the box without the Q. (Yes I made sure no QCs were transferred to the new box with the Old Queen)......
Would you:-
(A) Cull all but the...
I haven't done an inspection yet but today was watching them working most vigorously and saw 3 drones coming and going. Mine were quite big and fat. If yours were smaller than you expect then you could have a drone laying queen - she will lay in a worker cell so they don't have room to grow to...
Re Q3
I suspect that you are seeing supercedure , possibly the bees are not happy with the overwintered queen. As I am sure you know it is too early for swarming. Best to leave well alone and let nature take its course.
No food!
Went through ours today. Removed super, it was getting a bit heavy about two weeks ago - now light as a feather. Went through BB and there was no stores at all as a result of the bad weather I guess. Sooo I am going to give them a gallon of 2 to 1 tonight. Fellow keepers locally (N...