oliverkelly
New Bee
I installed a 4 frame (there were 5 frames but 1 of just foundation) nucleus on 29th June, and inspected today. There were new eggs, larvae of different sizes, and capped brood. Didn't spot the queen, but I guess she must be there.
They have started to draw out almost 2 sides of deep foundation. not completed but about half way there.
I had been using a contact feeder, which I put in on the 30th, and there is plenty of nectar/syrup and capped honey around the brood.
The contact feeder started leaking after about 3 days, dripping through the mesh onto the ground. I guess this was when the feeder was starting to get empty? When I checked today it was completely empty.
I have been seeing what I assume are robber bees, bees being bundled out, different looking bees trying to get in. Am I right in not putting back the feeder ? Or do I just need to make sure it is kept full to create a better vacuum. I think the heat also makes the syrup more runny.
Perhaps I should try a rapid feeder instead ?
They still have 4 sides of foundation to draw out, and space for 2 more frames.
Any comments appreciated.
They have started to draw out almost 2 sides of deep foundation. not completed but about half way there.
I had been using a contact feeder, which I put in on the 30th, and there is plenty of nectar/syrup and capped honey around the brood.
The contact feeder started leaking after about 3 days, dripping through the mesh onto the ground. I guess this was when the feeder was starting to get empty? When I checked today it was completely empty.
I have been seeing what I assume are robber bees, bees being bundled out, different looking bees trying to get in. Am I right in not putting back the feeder ? Or do I just need to make sure it is kept full to create a better vacuum. I think the heat also makes the syrup more runny.
Perhaps I should try a rapid feeder instead ?
They still have 4 sides of foundation to draw out, and space for 2 more frames.
Any comments appreciated.