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Thanks. The plan for the weekend!

Thanks. That would make sense. Lots of it round here. Is there a reason it’s on their heads rather than in their baskets?

My bees have starting coming back with bright yellow pollen on their heads and eyes. It’s a very distinct bright yellow dot on their heads as if they have head butted the blossom. No pollen in their baskets. Wondering what it could be. I’m in Shropshire. Any ideas anyone?

Been wondering about stings myself at the moment. I got both of my hands stung at the weekend. My own fault as went in unprepared and had to go back later for swarm control steps that I hadn't been prepared for and they took offence to having me barge in twice in a day. Anyway... the sting on...

Thank you for such a clear explanation. I am new to beekeeping but have a wonderful colony that is very docile, produced 120lb of honey last year and didn't freak me out but swarming. My mentor (mum) and I are really keen to raise from her this year so this will really help.

Curious about AI in bees. So I gather from the above posts that you squish the drones till the sperm comes out? How on earth do you then get it into the queen?

Well that freaked me out a bit! I think if I got those round here I would end up giving up work to sit outside the hive to protect the girls. I'm bad enough with ordinary wasps! Had to watch a clip of bees balling a hornet to calm down.

Well here was finally cold enough for the bees to be clustered inside so I could get round to the little jobs in the run that I have been meaning to do all winter. Some running repairs to the willow screening and levelled the ground a little more so I could move round the hives to make better...

Wish I remembered stories better. A beekeeping friend of my mum's tells a great story ending with the immortal line "and that's how I set my husband's trousers on fire!" Had to do with ankle biting bees and some over-entheusiastic use of a smoker.

Not really a bee keeping story as I was about 8 at the time but my Grandad kept bees down next to the stream on his smallholding. My siblings and I used to play down by the stream so one sunny day off we went. What we didn't know was he had been in the hives earlier that day and the bees were a...

Last week we had a couple of very mild days while I was off so I had the chance to watch the bees for a while. Was not surprised to see them flying given the temp but was surprised to see them bringing back pollen. At least 2 different types - bright yellow and dark orange. I haven't seen...

As busybees53 said, I'm also an urban beek and have had a wonderful first year. I've extracted 46 lbs from 2 supers and have taken off a couple more supers so hoping for about the same again. I've only got one established colony and a nuc that's being built up and it's my first year so hard to...

I also have the bbwear and have been very pleased with it. Can't comment on the sherriff but my mum wears my grandads suit. The veil had to be replaced this year for about £32 (not sure about the price) Whch I don't think is bad for a 40 year old suit.

Have to say, I always use butter whatever the cut to cook steak. Can smoke a bit but flavour the best!

I've extracted 2 supers mid July (46lbs) and got 2 more off and another on the way so very pleased as this is my first year. I'm also an urban beek to whoever asked.

Also really keen on knowing the best ways of getting rid of wasps as the number predating on my bees is increasing and for someone in fulltime employment there is a limit to standing outside the hive and killing them individually which has been the most efficient thing so far! I have traps that...

Well I don't mind the clap trap as I am one of those city beekeepers and it means that my neighbours etc are pleased that I am keeping them (well those that know) and like the feeling that they are being part of helping bees (by not complaining). I also keep ducks and was very excited to read...

It amazes me to hear just how different the conditions are in our tiny island. I'm in Liverpool and the Lime is only just coming to an end, still a bit about but not much. Seeing some HB, lots of willow herb and buddlea, wish that was better for bees. My queens are still laying well and no...

Ps. What sort if limp is it? There are a couple of things like spraddle leg that are easily treated if managed early. Look at one of the many chicken dedicated websites for more precise advice.

It's always upsetting when a hatch goes badly. Hatching your own us always a risk especially as the much beloved survivor invariably turns out to be male! I hope you can put this bad situation behind you and that you get a hen from the survivor. It's getting a bit late in the year to try again...