Recent content by solonik29

Looks great. Amazing job. From my experience I can also add some tips 1) Things cost more than you think. 2) You need more materials than you think 3) Think about your process first, it's harder to change design later. 4)Make sure you have sufficient sockets and plumbing first. 5) Work out...

Last summer I observed a few bumblebees trying to rob some nucs. I did not mind, as the bumblebee was having a hard time. I was surprised to watch it squeezing through the hive entrance. I do not think they can do any serious damage.

I agree with some other comments , I don't think that the standard FFP2 is sufficient. It maybe OK if you dissolve Api-Bioxal for treacle, but surely not for the sublimation. Beekeeping is very expensive stuff and we easily spent thousands on the equipment but discussing to spend under £100 for...

Agree with the comments, that it is best to try and find out yourself. There is a lot of moving parts in queen rearing and it is a complety different beekeeping skill. I suggest to also include grafting as it is a great 'fun' skill and allows you to work closely with larvae and understand bees...

I think 3m 6000 series offer multiple sizes X small,medium and large. Probably worth checking sizing guide on their website.I think this is avaliable at Amazon. The mask is really good quality and I am using it for a second year. I agree with the above comments that 2g dose vapor may not be that...

Just go with 3m , they take safety very seriously. I personally use half mask 6000s series,googles and acid filters (check the guide) and particle filters. Fogging can be an issue with the full mask.

4x4 Ford Ranger Toyota Hilux or Isuzu Dmax would be ideal, but it is really hard to justify this investment purely for bees. This is not just the price of the vehicle but also the regular maintenance and running cost. Berlingo, Kangoo or Transit are probably lower cost but in high demand for...

@Beesnaturally apologies I did not meant to challenge you on your choice to install the log burner in the shed. 'Jedum das sein' (German - ' to each their own' ) I recently installed a couple multistoves in the house so spent some time understanding the recent HETAS and building regulations...

Hi, I would also strongly suggest to look if the new stove had to be installed by HETAS engineers, the legislation has changed for any stoves installed in 2023. Also the monoxide alarm is strongly advised as this is not something you want to take a risk. Are you looking to install log burner or...

Still a lot of ivy here, I was near the apiary and noticed a buzzing sound near this wall with Ivy. Mid October, Marvelous.

I only bring the feeders back once a year for cleaning. If there is too much yeast the syrup can go mouldy.

Hi, I just wanted to check with community on your preference when it comes to feeders? I am mainly running on poly hives with a few cedar and use a mix of poly feeders and English feeders. The English feeder is 6 L, simple design with the cone, sine to use and clean. The poly feeder is 15 L...

Thanks Finman, I would agree that two frame nuc is probably going to be a very weak colony. I am planing to build the colonies into 2 brood boxes and then transferring 5-6 frames into 6 frame nucs. I am not 100% confident with expanding the colonies into 3 brood boxes each, I think this will...

Yes, Ian I was planning to split into 6 frame nucs (with 2 frame + shaked nurse bees), take the nucs to another location, then come and destroy all queen cells and make the colony queen hopeless before introducing new queens. Thanks for suggesting about the second box I did not consider this...

Hi Ian, Thanks, do you mean to put a second brood box in the spring with 10 frames and wait to build a larger colony before splitting?