Beekeeping in the high Andes

[Amari]

We’re staying in the lovely Hacienda Zuleta north of Quito, on the equator. 3,00 ha @ 10,000 ft. Dairy is the main economy (500 kg cheese/day), horse riding the main activity for guests, but also mountain biking, hiking, cow milking by hand, condor breeding, etc. I asked about beekeeping: they have c. 20 hives. Could I see them?: much sucking of teeth….but it is being considered as a guest activity.

Thus I set off with Henri, their beekeeper of indiginous ethnicity, plus the guest-manager who was new to the craft. Light smoker. Pump smoke++ through hive entrance and between frames++. Within a few seconds we were all covered in ferocious apids. First hive = queenless, second hive queen-right but not strong. Very little nectar in supers. No QEx.


Back at base I gently suggested that quiet calm bees would be a prerequisite for a successful guest activity. Henri spoke no English so I was unable to ask him about seasons, forage, yield etc.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Oh dear Giles you’ve taken one on the lip there
The Hacienda sounds idyllic. Pity you can’t bring some honey home. Maybe you could just hide some in your hold luggage and look innocent.

 

[Amari]

I’ve left them my email address in case they’d like to take me on as English-speaking assistant beekeeper…..