Eggs???

[VixyB]

We are also in a similar position in that we are new Beeks with 10 weeks experience, but we are more fortunate in that we have a good friend or two who have a bit more experience as mentors.

I haven't been able to find eggs as yet, but we have plenty of BIAS so I know HM's been around quite recently, which is good enough for me.

I'm sure I will have a 'Eureka' moment when I spot my first egg

Andy

At least I am not alone!!

 

[Binge]

http://newburybeekeepers.btck.co.uk
Same Newbury?
They have courses too.
I'm new to it all too and there's been plenty that's happened this year that we weren't expecting to encounter until next year.
Re-united one colony a couple of weeks ago, opened it up yesterday to find a loaded queen cell!

 

[VixyB]

http://newburybeekeepers.btck.co.uk
Same Newbury?
They have courses too.

Yes, that is the one I am a member of. I have contacted a Mentor to see if they can help me.....

 

[bontbee]

hi VixyB,

try concentrating your egg hunting to existing patches of open brood, eg. on the "youngest" edge of a patch of larvae of decreasing age, or where there appear to be empty cells between larvae and the pollen/honey arch. You will often find eggs in these cells. Alternatively, if you see a patch of apparently empty cells like an island in the centre of a frame of sealed brood, have a look there. (Sorry if this is something you already know). Here's a pic which may give you an idea of size/shape relative to the cell, though it's not the most consistent pattern I've ever seen!

 

[VixyB]

Thank you Bontbee, that is helpful!

 

[alanf]

I will try the idea of using an LED torch...

A torch helps if it's gloomy. Wear a cheap pair of reading glasses (highish magnification) you will need to focus quite close. That and the slower adjustment to light levels take effect after your teens. Actually, I find it easier to see eggs using a torch than in full sun, the problem is to get the sunlight down the cell to get the light level your eyes expect and then also look straight down it without casting a shadow with your hood. With a torch you can hold it on your nose and the light from many "white" LEDs has a lot of blue which gives a decent contrast to the white translucent eggs and small larvae against yellowish wax. Another "trick" is to take a photo. most cameras, including on phones, can focus and adjust to light levels faster than your eyes when you're not really sure what you're looking for. Eggs often show up a lot clearer on photos later than they do when you're trying to hold frames and torches, work out where the sun is, watch for aggression, keep your smoker going and so on.

 

[Cussword]

hi VixyB,

try concentrating your egg hunting to existing patches of open brood, eg. on the "youngest" edge of a patch of larvae of decreasing age, or where there appear to be empty cells between larvae and the pollen/honey arch. You will often find eggs in these cells. Alternatively, if you see a patch of apparently empty cells like an island in the centre of a frame of sealed brood, have a look there. (Sorry if this is something you already know). Here's a pic which may give you an idea of size/shape relative to the cell, though it's not the most consistent pattern I've ever seen!

I've been helping at an apiary for a few months now. One time I see the eggs, another time I don't. The eggs in the picture, a piece of cake. I'm sure I'll get the knack, eventually.

 

[VixyB]

I saw eggs!!!! Only on two sides of one frame - but eggs all the same. Even if I can't see HM, at least I know she is there.

 

[kazmcc]

I got thrown into beekeeping too, but like you, loved every single minute. So glad you saw eggs! This forum saved me and everything I've learned is from the good folks on here. They really do know their stuff! I struggle to see eggs, especially on dark comb. I did buy a small magnifier, but like everything here, it has disappeared into the ether lol

 

[Roola]

Without being condescending, if you are starting beekeeping you really need to learn how to see eggs in cells. Saying that, if there is brood in the hive, she will be there, again, learn to look for a queen. One way I find is to not look at individual bees but slowly scan each frame and look for activity such as bees in a circle or groups of bees moving out of the way (for a queen). And more often than not she'll be in the middle of the hive rather than the edges. As for finding eggs gently blow the bees out of the way and tilt the frame towards the light, they look like tiny grains of rice, eggs will always be in the middle frames of the hive.

If frames are dark, i find a torch can also help.

 

[BeeJayBee]

I saw eggs!!!! Only on two sides of one frame - but eggs all the same. Even if I can't see HM, at least I know she is there.

Well done Next time it'll be even easier.

 

[beeno]

VixyB - Fantastic that you saw eggs!

 

[VixyB]

Thank you both!!

 

[Dishmop]

At least I am not alone!!

You certainly aint..