Checking hives. Weather.

[Susan1]

I was just wondering if it would be OK to check hives here in NI.
The weather is very changeable but not too cold. I will be away for 4 days and as it has been so rainy here I couldn't check them before

 

[Erichalfbee]

If they need checking they need checking. If it’s raining be quick and have a mate holding a brolly
But make sure you are looking in only if you need to.

 

[ericbeaumont]

couldn't check them before

You must delete that method and check anyway.

 

[Susan1]

Well I managed to get them sorted. The weather turned sunny for a while. I am glad I did as the new nuc I got definitely needed a super and as for my other two hives the are all OK. Only thing I have noticed is although they are big hives still not storing much honey. I'm guessing it a combination of the terrible weather and their size.
Will definitely be sure to rope someone in with brolly if needs be.

 

[ericbeaumont]

combination of the terrible weather and their size

Third element: what is in flower up to two miles from your apiary?

Bees will fly between showers and a small colony will still forage, just won't fill supers.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I was just wondering if it would be OK to check hives here in NI.
The weather is very changeable but not too cold

Just got back from checking one apiary - between heavy showers. Going out again later

 

[Susan1]

Third element: what is in flower up to two miles from your apiary?

Bees will fly between showers and a small colony will still forage, just won't fill supers.

There's a lot of garden flowers wild flowers and willow herb. Apparently someone living not far from me now has eight hives would that make a significant difference. Sorry if that's a stupid question but I'm not sure.

 

[Susan1]

Just got back from checking one apiary - between heavy showers. Going out again later

Got mine checked and as soon as I got in it poured put of the heavens. No brolly holder today so I was lucky.

 

[blackcloud]

Popup gazebo?

 

[Susan1]

I would love that but will just rope hubby in!

 

[ericbeaumont]

but I'm not sure

Rosebay willowherb in quantity can produce a crop, but if you're rural and without lime or sweet chestnut, it'll be slim pickings.

Got a dog? Take it for a long walk and find out what grows within foraging range.

 

[ericbeaumont]

eight hives would that make a significant difference

Not if the forage available is plentiful: a field of borage, for example, or several miles of blackberry. If there's not much about, then all will just tick over.

big hives still not storing much honey. I'm guessing it a combination of the terrible weather and their size.

Big colonies make honey but it depends on what you mean by 'big'. Full of bees on double or triple brood with several supers?

 

[Susan1]

I have one brood box and super. On two hives.

 

[user 819]

Sounds like forage is a bit sparse where you are maybe ?
Or haven't the bees not built up vey well ?