Foraging levels

[SS_Smith]

Another stupid question...

Went to observe/check to see if hive is still there earlier a watched my bee's coming and going.

All seemed reasonably orderly on the ledge by the opening (4 inches open).

Some of them are loaded up like a Chinook to the point where they seem to have a heavy set down whilst others don't seem to have the yellow bags on their legs.

I'm in an area with lots of different plant types and gardens with flying distance. Is there a logical reason as to why some don't appear to be foraging as much as others?

 

[drex]

Some carry water, some nectar, some resin and only some for pollen. When crop is laden they come in tail heavy orientation. They only forage for one particular thing at a time.

 

[SS_Smith]

Thanks Drex

Seems logical.

Think I'm going to stop with the sugar syrup now they've been there for a couple of weeks and I know that only some of them will have the heavy yellow.

 

[Millet]

Check each bee separately as they enter they maybe bringing varroa in that also slows them down if they carry 20 or more..

 

[SS_Smith]

Not sure I've got enough time to check each one separately, but I'll try to get a better look at a few.

I didnt realise they can get 20 mites per bee but did notice 3-4 on my tray along with the mould. Going to be putting some apiguard down.

 

[Millet]

Not sure I've got enough time to check each one separately, but I'll try to get a better look at a few.

I didnt realise they can get 20 mites per bee but did notice 3-4 on my tray along with the mould. Going to be putting some apiguard down.

If you do have enough time to check each bee individually stick a little camera at the entrance to the hive, i have seen some that can spray a number on each bee when the image sensor has been triggered, they only number to 10.000 though so you may struggle after that..you could maybe buy two though and that will cover 20.000 bees or even three that will cover 30.000.. the world is your Oyster.

 

[SS_Smith]

i have seen some that can spray a number on each bee when the image sensor has been triggered

Already got a RaspberryPi and camera, all I need's the paint:
http://hivetool.org/w/index.php?title=Bee_Counter

 

[Millet]

I'm not sure but i think a Cockwilddoodle.co.uk spurts enough out but it can be a little random at times, i have seen it say 69 when it means 96 which has had me in a pickle with my lady friend.?

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Check each bee separately as they enter they maybe bringing varroa in that also slows them down if they carry 20 or more..

Naughty ☺