Plans for 2013

[user 6228]

make something that will turn hives into a better substitute for trees.

 

[sunhivebee]

make something that will turn hives into a better substitute for trees.

That sound interesting. Are you planning on log hives?

As for 2013 plans, I hope that my colonies will all come through, that they will continue to thrive on no-treatment, and that I will end up with quite a few more at the end of the season from swarming, and that my drones will attain to air sovereignty in my locality. Does anyone know from a reliable source how far drones fly?

I agree with the notion that they should be left well alone until temperatures are in the region of 15 deg C - we all know what the optimum nest temperature is.

I wish for a brood nest warmth summer - around the upper thirties. And that all my neighbours will chuck out their regimented bedding plants and make meadows.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Does anyone know from a reliable source how far drones fly?

Don't know how reliable, but interesting bit about drone congregation areas.

http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=8491&highlight=Drone+congregation+area

 

[waverider]

Does anyone know from a reliable source how far drones fly?.

Discussion:
http://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/5540/Moritz_Size(2007).pdf?sequence=1

 

[sunhivebee]

Don't know how reliable, but interesting bit about drone congregation areas.

http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=8491&highlight=Drone+congregation+area

Thank you, brilliant information - and a scary thought that one varroa mite so drastically reduces flying power.

 

[sunhivebee]

Discussion:
http://repository.up.ac.za/bitstream/handle/2263/5540/Moritz_Size(2007).pdf?sequence=1

Thanks. Incredible. Air sovereignty aspirations may have to be shelved unless I can expand 5 miles all round - unlikely!

 

[Dishmop]

I agree with the notion that they should be left well alone until temperatures are in the region of 15 deg C - we all know what the optimum nest temperature is.

So that'll be June then..

 

[REDWOOD]

only making plans for Nigel

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

As usual my plan is to keep the hive numbers down to a sensible number. 5 will do fine, 4 would be better. (Oh and to continue to hide the deliveries from HWMBO - a trait shared with JBM I seem to recall.)
Cazza

I resemble that remark!!

I hope to at least double the size of my apiary (I need to try and fill all the kit that's been dumped at Brynmair when my back was turned ) and harvest a bit more honey than last year to fulfill the advance orders I have
Pass a bit of knowledge on to our new beekeepers when taking the assocation practical classes.
Hopefully get better weather to enjoy the association's queen breeding project.
Catch loads of swarms but especially a swarm from the dark bees in the chapel wall.

 

[For want of a better word]

Just looked out of study window.... amazing huge full moon just risen over Dartmoor........................................

.................................................... one more to go before the swarms !



especially a swarm from the dark bees in the chapel wall.... Primitive Methodists?

 

[Graham40]

I aim to keep the head beekeeper(my dad) happy by

1) loosing as few stocks as possible.. get reserve units moving earlier

2) pick productive sites rather than mediocre ones

3) get to the clover early enough to get a decent crop - total failure last year as the main units were back on spring OSR leaving the second string to pick up the pieces result lots of OSR and only 50lb of clover not a good day.

4) get to the heather in strength rather than still re-queening in August weather dependant, not sure about this I've got people telling me not to requeen on the OSR this year due to the GM aspect might do half n half.

Association wise
Run a few demos, participate at Turriff show and win something at the Aberdeen Honey show in September

Most Importantly Have fun and catch up with my fellow beekeepers,
help someone else start beekeeping, I've started 2 new bees up in recent years.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Primitive Methodists?

Excuse me - Welsh independents please! we split from the Methodists in 1820!

 

[eddiespangle]

More bees; fewer stings!

 

[Dishmop]

Put last years plans into operation.