Knocking back queen cells yesterday and found a beauty. Noticed that the sealed end was much darker at the sealed end, as if the tip had been partial dipped in something. Left it in situ and marked the frame. Anyone else seen this and have an opinion on it?
Anyone have an idea how this can be achieved?
Does it involve the use of an Eke, similar in principle to the conversion of a National Brood box to 14x12. If so, are there any plans available?
Thanks
What about Jumbo 3 Gallon feeders placed directly over a warm way brood box with top cover removed. Is this not the closest I can get the syrup to the brood without degrading temperature? or should I place the feeder above the top cover?
Until a few years ago, I followed the same practice as you and covered the crown board holes. Then I met a venerable and lovely lady from Grimsby, over a cuppa at a Thornes autumn auction - she told me to get in my car immediately - drive home 70 miles and remove the covers! (I hope she is...
Fed all 4 hives with 2:1 sugar syrup and vitamin supplement in late Sept - all taken down. Varroa treatment completed by early Nov.
Since then, noticed considerable numbers of dead bees around entrance landing boards n 3 hives - so reduced entrance sizes and cleaned dead bees away. Two weeks...
I have been taught that the holes are for two things - Feeding and ventilation, and that if they are not being used for feeding, they should be left open at all times for ventilation. Closing them up can lead to condensation in the hive and start other problems for the colony.
Open holes...
Try local farmers to site an out apiary -some welcome bees for obvious pollination reasons. Rental Payment is usually coined in a few jars of Honey.
Also try local allotment sites in your locality -again a mutual benefit, but ensure you are a BBKA member with indemnity cover.