A wee bit of controversy

[stilllearning]

tell him the whole reason you started keeping bees is because you thought there were far too many bees about and you thought you'd do your bit to bring down the numbers, give him a wink, smile and ask if he wants to buy some honey

 

[Skyhook]

Point out that, while you will be feeding them when they need it, no-one will be treating wild colonies for disease when they're in trouble.

 

[DanBee]

... and even the two anti astronomy people I met one time ...

Don't tell me: by catching the rays from the star you're sucking the energy out of it...?

 

[DanBee]

For me it is simple. No "farmer" deliberately wants their stock to die. It doesn't make sense to have the set back and cost replacement of a colony not coming through the winter if you can avoid it.

Yes but no but. A "good winter" is a great leveller; not only does it benefit the quality and timing of forage, but it can also kill off the runts. Some would argue that the winter only kills weak or ill-adapted colonies. I know one beekeeper nearby who does not feed out of principle.

 

[Alabamaeee]

I am just going to treat him in the same way as I treat anti fishing and anti shooting and anti hunting and even the two anti astronomy people I met one time, with the same patient grin and an offer of seeing for themselfs then, do what I can to avoid him till he goes of on his next wild goose chase. I got some info on him tonight. He hates everything he either doesn't do or dislikes or cann't/won't do/doesn't understand. And has a thing about blasting of for a few hours on a subject then forgetting about it. Another muppet I fear.

This guy is venting anger. The beekeepers are an outlet for it, but deep down there is a cause for that anger that he cannot or will not face up to at present.

He'll move on to something else soon, or hopefully find a way to help himself.

 

[Chris Luck]

In fairness he does have a point and I suspect that many people that loose bees overwinter will blame it on varroa regardless of the actual causes and I would say that the real judgement is when to feed, what to feed and when not. This is perhaps even more contentious between different keepers.

Chris

 

[Poggle]

Don't tell me: by catching the rays from the star you're sucking the energy out of it...?

Dan, you really REALLY don't want to know my friend. It is an interesting story but........................................
I will tell you if you like