Swarm followed Queen into hive

[Beezer]

at 4:30 this p.m.

Jammed brood foundation frames to prevent movement on tonight's 20 mile journey.

Haven't put frame feeder in

Thought to put on head - lamp - switch to 'red' in dark - take frames out and replace with full feeder then close up for a few days before opening and feeding more syrup.

Thought best to feed ASAP as they were skepped after swarming yesterday. I was only told this a.m.

Understand it is best NOT to feed for 3/4 days - Advice please.


Has anybody any thoughts on the above please.

 

[Beezer]

Phone rang and another swarm has appeared elsewhere so will get back later/tomorrow.

Thanks to anyone that replies.

 

[Skyhook]

Not quite sure if I'm answering this right, as telegram speak a little confusing- but as I understand it, you collected a swarm into a brood box then drove 20 miles with it to apiary. Probably easier in a skep, but each to their own.

The idea as I understand it is that the bees carry about 3 days stores with them when they swarm. If you feed while they still have some they can store this and/or feed it to brood, carrying on any disease if the stores carried spores from the old hive. If you dont feed they are forced to digest the honey in their stomachs to make wax, so the disease goes no further.

 

[Beezer]

Much appreciated, especially as only reply and makes good sense.

 

[steve1958]

Did you manage to collect the second swarm?

 

[Beezer]

Did you manage to collect the second swarm?

Unfortunately, it was another of the type "in the roof" and inaccessible.

Good for PR though as others had refused to turn out.