Bees freaking out - why? Help please!

[MrB]

also, its a steep learning curve even after a course. but i for one am glad i did mine before getting bee's!

 

[user 6228]

Having just navigated down the Western Solent and seeing the droves of WAFI's causing havoc I doubt it's a good comparison!!

Solent? thats where the WAFI hives are, so what do you expect?
I think shes talking EXPERIENCED e.g.as found west of the Needles south of the Lizard , east of Lowestoft, and North and west of Ardnamuchan, not "round the cans in the Solent"

 

[richardbees]

"Ardnamuchan" ?

what's the President of Iran doing in our Coastal waters?

I do agree that ALL new beekeepers should go on a course before getting a stocked hive. But I also think we should try and answer any questions posted here without being critical of the poster.

 

[Poly Hive]

That broad statement very much depends on the validity of the question.

PH

 

[BBG]

That broad statement very much depends on the validity of the question.

PH

and the mood or alcohol levels of those doing the replying

 

[Stiffy]

I think you will!!

We attended a (free) winter course run by our local association, it ran for 10 weeks, and to bring your OP back to the fore - we were taught about the various stages a worker bee goes through, including becoming a forager and including its orientation flight. We were taught the difference between orientation flights, robber bee flight around the hive, when our bees are curious and checking us out, when they are warning us to move away (pinging), the type of things that bees dont generally like - strong smells ie perfume/after shave/soap, dark clothes esp furry ones (you look like a bear!), sharp movement, shiny objects (look like eyes).

We then attended the basic beekeeping course the next spring and learned more about the practical side of keeping and handling bees.

They did not teach "sacrosanct" practices, they told us of the various different options/methods/opinions, they told us that none are necessarily better.

I think what we learned was invaluable to starting out keeping bees, not least because the more you understand about bees, the more rewarding it becomes. It also gives you a degree of confidence when dealing with your own bees.

I personally dont think it is particularly responsible for people to start keeping bees without either having joined a local association and/or done an introductory course and/or have a mentor. It isnt fair on the bees, or any neighbours, or other local beekeepers whose hives could be robbed by diseased bees. However I don't necessarily blame new beekeepers for this, I think people who sell bees should be asking that question and advising new beekeepers to do the things above.

Oh, and before I step off the soap-box I will also state that we never stop learning and the asking of opinions/questions of fellow beekeepers is essential.

Glad to hear you had a positive experience but would recommend anyone thinking of taking a course to check with the previous year’s attendees. I did a very expensive course and it took me a few years to realise that much of what was said was a load of rollocks!
S

 

[richardbees]

BBG

"...and the mood or alcohol levels of those doing the replying "

in all honesty I must admit that might sometimes apply to me.

rich

 

[ksjs]

I personally dont think it is particularly responsible for people to start keeping bees without either having joined a local association and/or done an introductory course and/or have a mentor. It isnt fair on the bees, or any neighbours, or other local beekeepers whose hives could be robbed by diseased bees. However I don't necessarily blame new beekeepers for this, I think people who sell bees should be asking that question and advising new beekeepers to do the things above.

I'm a member of a local association and have not got into beekeeping with my eyes closed. I was advised against getting bees without doing a course but I was pretty determined. With care, common sense and a commitment to your bees and learning I would have thought that it was still possible to progress.

 

[alynewbee]

My very peaceable bees do this most fine days - I think it's just baby bees learning where they live. Gave me a right scare first time I saw them doing it, but now it's a joy to watch.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I'm a member of a local association and have not got into beekeeping with my eyes closed. I was advised against getting bees without doing a course but I was pretty determined. With care, common sense and a commitment to your bees and learning I would have thought that it was still possible to progress.

It was almost impossible for me to attend a course last year but I was determined to keep bees, I read (and absorbed) a lot attend my BKA apiary meetings ask and observe posts on here. And I think I've done fairly well by me and the bees, I've made a few mistakes (and by reading on here I've realised they're the same mistakes made by experienced people and/or people who have attended all the courses) By nature of my work i think I've proven I'm not an irresponsible person. Horses for courses! - some people need formal training (even if only for their own peace of mind) and some seem to thrive by making their own way. If we'd depended on course attendance over the years would we have any beekeepers now?.
Did the Rev. Langstroth go on a course?

 

[richardbees]

alynewbee

I think it's just baby bees learning where they live.

Yes you're correct - and a very nice way of describing it! Thank you.

richard

 

[oliver90owner]

Did the Rev. Langstroth go on a course?

Probably. I would most likely have been 'hands on' course of instructiom for a year or two under the watchful eye of his father/mentor/employer and been far more useful than a simple theory course with one or two chances to handle the bees.

Later, it was called an apprenticeship, or similar.

Regards, RAB