Demeree Question

[Xander]

I don't want to hijack this thread but I have a related question.

Yesterday I did my first Demaree (or thats what I am calling it!). Had issues locating the queen so shook all into new bottom box (only foundation and a frame of partial BIAS - my first error no doubt), then added a Qx, 2 x supers, Qx, original brood box. crown board, roof.

I have not made an entrance for the top brood box - is this wrong or is this only required if I am trying to make increase (i.e. so a new virgin queen can get mated)?

My plan is to check the top box in a few days to destroy any queen cells and then start to swap one or two frames from the bottom with the top to help manage swarming.

What I want to achieve is a proactive anti swarming method - I am not looking to make increase.

That's exactly how I started and it went downhill rapidly from there on. You've done the right thing coming for advice at this stage, I messed up and split them mixing up methods in my head. I'm getting sorted now with some excellent advice from one source only.
Try to follow one trusted source is my advice.
Good luck.

 

[Erichalfbee]

excellent advice from one source only.

Yes. Me too

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Yesterday I did my first Demaree (or thats what I am calling it!). Had issues locating the queen so shook all into new bottom box (only foundation and a frame of partial BIAS - my first error no doubt),

No - the best thing to do if you can't find her

then added a Qx, 2 x supers, Qx, original brood box. crown board, roof.

nothing wrong so far

I have not made an entrance for the top brood box - is this wrong or is this only required if I am trying to make increase (i.e. so a new virgin queen can get mated)?

You don't have to make a top entrance - it just saves having a load of newly emerged drones desperate to go clubbing, just be prepared every time you do open up to be met with a load of drones making a quick getaway

My plan is to check the top box in a few days to destroy any queen cells and then start to swap one or two frames from the bottom with the top to help manage swarming.

What I want to achieve is a proactive anti swarming method - I am not looking to make increase.

Nothing wrong with anything you've done thus far

 

[Niv]

Thank you @jenkinsbrynmair

@Robxander I have learnt over the few years I have been beekeeping that this site is the best 'one source' I can find. Many opinions but a very valuable asset for the beekeepers for sure.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

I make the entrance to let the drones out. I keep mine rolling. Move frames where brood has emerged and swap for capped brood from the bottom.
I always end up with supers over the top brood so another entrance is handy.

why do you move capped rather than eggs/larvae Dani?

 

[Erichalfbee]

why do you move capped rather than eggs/larvae Dani?

So that you don’t t have queen cells being made

 

[Cuckmere couple]

So that you don’t t have queen cells being made

when i have 'rolled' i tend to move full frames of eggs up and knock any QCs back, but if you are remaining vigilant about QCs or wanting them, moving eggs/larvae is fine...

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

The trick is to save yourself some work so unless you want to harvest even more QCs (I tend to limit to one nuc off each Demarree to avoid affecting the honey crop) by only moving sealed brood up you don't need to worry so much about missing a QC

 

[JamezF]

Given that I'm thinking there may be quite an extended period of OSR flowering here this year, a rolling demaree is looking like it could be a sensible option as long as I have enough supers to keep everything going. I was sort of hoping to break myself in gently given that it's not a form of swarm management that I've tried before, but such is life.

Is there a point at which most of the foraging force is actually using the top entrance because that was the closest entrance when they started flying? Or do they tend to migrate downwards?

James

 

[Cuckmere couple]

Given that I'm thinking there may be quite an extended period of OSR flowering here this year, a rolling demaree is looking like it could be a sensible option as long as I have enough supers to keep everything going. I was sort of hoping to break myself in gently given that it's not a form of swarm management that I've tried before, but such is life.

Is there a point at which most of the foraging force is actually using the top entrance because that was the closest entrance when they started flying? Or do they tend to migrate downwards?

James

taking a leaf out of Dani and JBM book, i use a rolling demaree and works a treat....in terms of which entrance though, I certainly havent been able to tell much difference, they have both been crazy and middle supers and 2-3 supers above UBB all filling fast

 

[Erichalfbee]

Just be mindful that you have a really big colony and you must be on top of varroa

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Is there a point at which most of the foraging force is actually using the top entrance because that was the closest entrance when they started flying?

I've found that the majority use the lower entrance; it's just the fact that it's a much smaller aperture that makes it look busy - same as in the evening during the ripening sessions, you see most of the fanning at the lower entrance

 

[Erichalfbee]

you see most of the fanning at the lower entrance

I’ve never tried a Demaree on a colony with a solid floor. Do you think it would be any different to one with an OMF?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I’ve never tried a Demaree on a colony with a solid floor. Do you think it would be any different to one with an OMF?

doubtful

 

[Erichalfbee]

doubtful

 

[JamezF]

Mine are effectively on solid floors, as they're now on my UFE mesh floors with the tray in.

James

 

[SWHives]

With the rolling Demaree, do you replace the frame moved to the top BB with a frame with foundation (in the bottom BB)?

 

[Erichalfbee]

No. You replace with a frame empty of brood from the top.

 

[Erichalfbee]

With the rolling Demaree, do you replace the frame moved to the top BB with a frame with foundation (in the bottom BB)?

https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/threads/demaree.46464/

 

[SWHives]

No. You replace with a frame empty of brood from the top.

Makes sense. Thanks