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I have just purchased a poly nuc and plan to give it a cost of masonry paint. I have a tin of white sandtex and would like to add a bit of coloured paint to the white. Anybody know what paint I could use. Thanks.

Lowest temp here has been -2, and daytime temps into double figures. Bees are out everyday en mass in the heather,hellebores and snowdrops.

Tad warmer here in France, have added extra insulation. Needs to be done early as bees are already busy,out foraging most days.

Thanks for replies,especially jenkinsbrynmair. Template made and langstroth box in place. Bees not disturbed and will hopefully move up.

Have been given a colony of bees in a Dadant hive. Hive is in very poor condition and the floor is fixed to the brood box. I want to move the bees into one of my empty hives, but as I use Langstroth the frames won't fit. Any ideas on the best way to do this,thanks.

Really warm day here yesterday,went and had a look at one of my hives that I was concerned about as hadn't seen any activity. Lots of bees emerging and enjoying the sunshine. Total bliss to see, reminds you why we keep bees.

Is it the increase in hive temperature,after the winter recess, that stimulates the queen to begin laying eggs or the amount of food coming into the hive. I always thought that the hive temperature was maintained at a constant level,but read somewhere that the increase in hive temperature...

Thanks for your answers,will add some capped brood frames.

In the summer I collected a small swarm and housed them in a Dadant hive in a friends garden. She had previously had bees which had disappeared and as I had plenty it seemed a good idea.I checked the bees last week and they have filled one side of the brood box with a 50/50 split of brood and...

Many thanks.

Checked my 7 colonies, up from 3 just 3 weeks ago. Lots of queen cells so lots of artificial swarming. All colonies very calm.Now extracting about 30lb of honey. 8 years of bee keeping and never known a year like this, bees expanding like crazy and already have more honey then in the last 2...

Yes,several woods on the edge of town.

I have 2 colonies of bees sited on the flat roof in the centre of town in Normandie. I extracted honey last week, but no idea of the source. It had started to crystallize on the frame and when extracted it is almost black in colour and very sweet. Any ideas,thanks.

Just a quick update; weather here has been up and down,but last 2 weeks have been settled and very hot. My strongest colony in the garden, surrounded by farmers fields has filled the spare space in the brood box with stores and just moved into the super. The slightly smaller colony on the roof...

I have a very strong,gentle colony and would like to make another colony from it. I plan to use the method described in Ted Hoopers Guide to Bees:i.e put a 2nd brood box filled with all unsealed brood,made up with sealed brood and frame of pollen(if available),on top of original brood box and 2...

I would really try and find a local beekeeper who could give you a few pointers. Reading books is ok,but help from an experienced beek is invaluable. That's how I learn't, joined a local association and was overwhelmed by the help I was offered. As for spotting queens, keep trying. I spent my...

I was just about to post the same question when I saw this thread. Two strong colonies,lots of bees,lots of brood,lots of activity, but hardly any stores. Bees are out everyday working hard.Do bees still go out and forage even if they return empty handed? Ash here was the latest I've ever known

Thanks for the info, didn't know that.

I have a large laurel hedge and over the last few days have noticed lots of bees in it. They are on the underside of the leaves and walking up the centre spine.Not sure what they are getting,possibly moisture?