Recent content by KeithFife

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  1. KeithFife

    Poly hive getting nibbled

    Good detective work, but I am fairly sure that haggis faeces is tartan.
  2. KeithFife

    Poly hive getting nibbled

    Interesting. Have you had success with this? Bear in mind these are Scottish rats so might not be put off by a spicy takeaway!
  3. KeithFife

    Poly hive getting nibbled

    Yes they do seem to be high on the list of suspects. Thanks both. Will move to another spot before they do any more damage. I must have been lucky not to have had this happen to any over wintering polynucs until now.
  4. KeithFife

    Poly hive getting nibbled

    Going round doing OA treatment today and noticed something has been nibbling at all four corners of this double nuc. Anyone care to guess if it is a badger, fox or other? I dont expect any repair or deterant is going to put them off so probably best to move it to another apiary and repair in the...
  5. KeithFife

    Queen introduction to nuc

    Thanks Patrick. No problem finding somewhere cool just now in this neck of the woods!
  6. KeithFife

    Queen introduction to nuc

    Hello, quick question please. I am making up a nuc today to introduce a mated queen which I then intend to overwinter as an insurance. Given the time of year I thought of moving the nuc away to another site to minimise robbing. In which case would you advise moving the nuc first then introducing...
  7. KeithFife

    Swarm or supersedure?

    Many thanks for the advice.
  8. KeithFife

    Swarm or supersedure?

    OK thanks, that was my gut feeling. I assume the nuc method would be the least disruptive method with regard to the main honey flow?
  9. KeithFife

    Swarm or supersedure?

    Hello, just looking for a wee bit of advice regarding my options following inspection of a hive this morning. This colony was from an artificial swarm in May and has the old (1 year) queen who is laying well. I have been inspecting at 7 day intervals and no signs of swarm cells prior to now...
  10. KeithFife

    Queen cells in nuc

    That makes sense. Thanks for the advice.
  11. KeithFife

    Queen cells in nuc

    Quick question re making up a nuc using queen cells from another hive. Is it better to just have one good queen cell on a frame or to leave a couple and let the bees decide? I understand the rationale for only leaving one QC and knocking down others in a larger queenless colony to reduce risk of...
  12. KeithFife

    Queenless question

    It is a bit heart breaking isn't it ? Especially after they have worked so hard to get through the winter. Oh well..No problem shaking them out in front of my one good hive then? Also just to confirm should I get rid of the frames with drone brood / drone cells in them?
  13. KeithFife

    Queenless question

    Ok will go back in on a queen hunt at the next opportunity. Many thanks to you all for the advice, it is very much appreciated. Especially in this day and age where you can't easily inspect with anyone else. Best wishes for the season ahead.
  14. KeithFife

    Queenless question

    I understand - only worth adding a test frame if I can first find and remove the possibility of a small unmarked emergency queen if there is one in there. Will have another look tomorrow. For what it's worth here is a pic of brood pattern. Not a pretty sight.
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