SteeveeTee
New Bee
- Joined
- Jun 7, 2013
- Messages
- 40
- Reaction score
- 0
- Location
- Sheffield
- Hive Type
- WBC
- Number of Hives
- 1.5
Hi, My first post and hive, so all advice gratefully received and what a helpful site in general.
Does the following sound like I'm doing OK. The local beekeepers don't meet for three weeks?
Two weeks ago I picked up a five frame nuc, my aim being to build a colony big enough to winter and survive (given many losses by locals last year). I installed in my WBC as a 'warm' set up (ie. frames parallel to entrance), with two empty frames of foundation on either side of the nuc frames.
I have been feeding the bees, first week with syrup, second week with invert syrup made using yeast as per David Cramps advice (used oven thermometer to check temps, no sign of dysentry so think this worked).
I also moved a frame of full brood over a frame of partial brood as per David Cramps Prac Manual of Beekeeping advice to spread the broodd and help it build up.
The bees have drawn out one side of each of the two empty frames and made a small start on the other sides (at front of hive and against the dummy board at the back). No eggs in these at the mo, but looks like some honey (alittle is capped in corner)
Queen seems well, plenty of larvae and young larvae although I find it difficult to spot eggs (will take torch on next inspection in four days). Bees with pollen go into hive every 4/5 minutes. I anticipate putting in another frame or two of foundation next week, don't have any with drawn comb.
I am guessing the sugar helps them build comb, and that they don't need more supplements as pollen is going in, and the hot weather is helping and the heather that is 1.5 miles away will flower soon too and that regular inspections will mean I find brood in the two new frames and can then add more foundation. Am I on the right lines?
Cheers,
Steve.
It's a joy isn't it!
Does the following sound like I'm doing OK. The local beekeepers don't meet for three weeks?
Two weeks ago I picked up a five frame nuc, my aim being to build a colony big enough to winter and survive (given many losses by locals last year). I installed in my WBC as a 'warm' set up (ie. frames parallel to entrance), with two empty frames of foundation on either side of the nuc frames.
I have been feeding the bees, first week with syrup, second week with invert syrup made using yeast as per David Cramps advice (used oven thermometer to check temps, no sign of dysentry so think this worked).
I also moved a frame of full brood over a frame of partial brood as per David Cramps Prac Manual of Beekeeping advice to spread the broodd and help it build up.
The bees have drawn out one side of each of the two empty frames and made a small start on the other sides (at front of hive and against the dummy board at the back). No eggs in these at the mo, but looks like some honey (alittle is capped in corner)
Queen seems well, plenty of larvae and young larvae although I find it difficult to spot eggs (will take torch on next inspection in four days). Bees with pollen go into hive every 4/5 minutes. I anticipate putting in another frame or two of foundation next week, don't have any with drawn comb.
I am guessing the sugar helps them build comb, and that they don't need more supplements as pollen is going in, and the hot weather is helping and the heather that is 1.5 miles away will flower soon too and that regular inspections will mean I find brood in the two new frames and can then add more foundation. Am I on the right lines?
Cheers,
Steve.
It's a joy isn't it!