Search results

The bees might have been pondering swarming before the spilt and decided to go anyway (i've seen this happen with rammed nucs moved into full hives, they decided before the move and go regardless of space (even after weeks had passed).

Yeah don't, a nightmare of a mess and not nice for the bees. I use clearer boards (Rhombus) then an 18v Makita for the few hanging about. Have zero issues totally clearing boxes using Rhombus boards and these are DN4 frames so lots of bees, fast effective and gone before the bees notice. Like...

Spacing is off, try with cups next to each other and they won't built comb. Also make sure there is plenty of space in the hive and there will be no issues regards flow etc. Using a strong hive as a starter/finisher can also cause the issues you're seeing 👍

You assume it's the Queens genetics and not the sperm she is holding that is creating those subgroups of sisters you are seeing that behaviour in (her drones are likely fine from parent(s) genetics). Even if it was the Queen side, not all the traits are passed to drones and whatever is passed...

Instrumental insemination (II) works very well and allows fine control over mating. Mine are better than the open mated queens but there are a lot of steps and detail to get there.

Well actually no, there is a chance but not a given. There are a ton of factors that need to work before that happens. Maybe the weather? yeah the weather I reckon ⛈️

Tip from me - Don't let small defensive hives expand into 3 brood boxes or face the pain :) (you'll have to wait weeks/months for the 2023 Queen to replace the current mob, assuming she was decent (could be worse)) 🐝

If anyone was pondering using a single size box, here are my 10 frame DN4 fully capped (poly). Lots of pros but they are heavy but manageable.

Like this ? - Works well and hope you're strong 👍 You could just leave them with new Queens in Spring if you don't have the time, 7 days for me as doing lots of other stuff so removing resource etc.

Thanks Steve, i'll post my findings on here if fruitful. I'll carry on with my dark magic experimenting 😁

Thanks Steve, Andy Sweet for ref ha. I need to read over this blog in detail but wondering if there is anyone in the UK offering AMM/BB drone semen, before I fire off an email to Luke @ NHC.

I've some nice *local* black/dark Queens appear from OM this year - (pay little attention to the worker colours, these are from a mix of hives)

Yesterday then - Having been settled for a few days I've had bees buzzing and stinging ^^ Don't follow you, anyway - when they are busy it's best you leave them alone or face the rage 👍

Use coloured bricks, works well 👍

Indeed, but I can open Numbers and look back over the hive/queen records (years) or carry the paper copy I fill doing inspections. Lot of paper to carry in the truck though and rather keep that in the filling system. Also use coloured pins and write on the hives, depends what area of the...

Mac/icloud/numbers - works well

Want the best possible (as I sell them) 💪 (y) :cool:

Abelo Unwired Premium wax is nice, smells lovely. Use my own wax for candles, might look into a foundation press at some point in the future.