Recent content by ripplingwave

Thanks Sam, I did consider that, I do know someone through someone else who is a local beekeeper. I have text the owners to see what they want me to do. :)

Thanks for your help! Well I have just been reading up and it would seem it is a new queen with her swarm leaving the hive and looking for a new home. I'm just surprised they have decided to swarm so low to the ground, thats what made me worry! So, I am guessing I should just leave them be and...

Another 10 days! They have had bees for about 3 years so I am used to their routine and this has never happened before. Worst thing that has happened was when a hard frost suddenly occured and a few died. :( Only thing that has changed since last time I was chicken sitting (about 2 months ago)...

I haven't a clue! I only know about bumble bees! :o I couldn't tell you what they have and haven't had done i'm afraid. I'm just the chicken carer but worried for the bees that don't seem to be going to stay warm at night!

Also, the large cluster on the railway sleeper (which is part of a veg patch) is only 6 ft away from the hive. I have not seen a single one going between the two though.

Thanks for the replies. :) I would say there is around 300. I worked it out based on the top layer dimensions. So not that many but enough to look like something serious is going on! The hive has been extended recently so has extra height now. Oliver, when you say you are surprised they...

Hello there, I am currently looking after my friends chickens and they have a bee hive too. I'm concerned because for the last 3 days now, there have been a large number of them on a railway sleeper in the garden. It looks like they are possibly using the fungus on the wood? They have swarmed...