How tricky is it to give up beekeeping ?

[beeno]

They probably will but don’t you recognise mating swarms?

I do not recognise mating swarms as a phenomenon you should know that by now! I have had a few which beeks would call mating swarms, but the queen did not leave the hive...

 

[beeno]

Nope the queen is safe in a nuc - this was an AS

Same difference.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I do not recognise mating swarms as a phenomenon you should know that by now! I have had a few which beeks would call mating swarms, but the queen did not leave the hive...

Just because you have never witnessed it, doesn't mean it never happens

there's a big difference between a queen going on a mating flight from a nuc and bees in an apidea who obviously haven't got the bees to manage a sizeable entourage.

I think some people's statements come from a lack of knowledge rather than credible observation.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I do not recognise mating swarms as a phenomenon

Manley did - as do others.
I know who's word I would take.

 

[bingevader]

Different reasons, but we're in the process of looking for an new out apiary.
Not great timing, but stick at it, something will come up.
We put a note out on the local hub this year, along the lines of: It's swarm season, you're usually in work and miss it. We'll do our best as usual, but if you see anything, give us a ring.
It seemed to go down reasonably well.
We had one phone call, but the swarm had arrived the day before and gone by the time we got there!

 

[beeno]

Manley did - as do others.
I know who's word I would take.

IMHO Manley didn't, I know he calls it a mating swarm, but it is really absconding!

 

[beeno]

Just because you have never witnessed it, doesn't mean it never happens

there's a big difference between a queen going on a mating flight from a nuc and bees in an apidea who obviously haven't got the bees to manage a sizeable entourage.

I think some people's statements come from a lack of knowledge rather than credible observation.

Just because you think you have witnessed it, likewise does not mean to say that it is true. My observations have been on colonies as well and the queens never left the hive so fat chance of them being mated then. As I have said before, in the olden days mating swarms were what we today call cast swarms. I wonder why the name was changed? If beeks go along with you there will be a lot more swarming which is not good for beekeeping particularly as regards having close neighbours! Don't go into one now it is so tiring.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

imho

fwiw

 

[Erichalfbee]

Just because you think you have witnessed it, likewise does not mean to say that it is true. My observations have been on colonies as well and the queens never left the hive so fat chance of them being mated then. As I have said before, in the olden days mating swarms were what we today call cast swarms. I wonder why the name was changed? If beeks go along with you there will be a lot more swarming which is not good for beekeeping particularly as regards having close neighbours! Don't go into one now it is so tiring.

I have a nice video of a swarm taking off after a virgin. Masses of fanning at the entrance and fifteen minutes later a queen coming back with them.

 

[gmonag]

Can we see it?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Can we see it?

I'll work on that. Back soon

 

[beeno]

fwiw

Internet slang, for "for what it is worth" from the Emyr.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Mating Swarm

Here you are.
The first video is if the swarm coming back.
The second is the queen returning some time later with the swarm fannnnjngvat the entrance.
Before anybody says anything it’s not a swarm from somewhere else but a returning no longer virgin queen.

You can see the queen at 1.25

https://www.dropbox.com/s/8lmxoj1laykuz1a/Video 15-06-2020, 21 43 44.mov?dl=0

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ckjzizd209bbhcr/Video 15-06-2020, 21 43 36.mov?dl=0

 

[The Poot in Somerset]

Hi Dani, I can never get your Dropbox videos to work - I just get a message about cookies. Any clues?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Hi Dani, I can never get your Dropbox videos to work - I just get a message about cookies. Any clues?

No idea. Your settings?
Pm me your email or phone number and I’ll send or WhatsApp

 

[Ian123]

Read the bit at the bottom that says continue to video hit that not the play button

 

[gmonag]

Looks convincing to me. Thanks for posting.