Very quiet, did they know?

[Robbo8916]

Heeded the auto NBU warning and took some 1:1 syrup down to my hive and nuc earlier. Upon approaching the hive I saw literally no sign of life from either.

Stuck my ear to the side of the nuc, nothing. Knocked on the side, nothing. Took the roof off (believing they had lost their battle). Listened again, nothing! Cracked the corner of the crown board thinking I could at least salvage some frames.

They poured out!!!! I had no suit as I was just popping a feed on the main hive. Got away sting free but may have squished a few bees in terror putting the nuc back together.

Lifed the roof off the main hive and they were all waiting, coming in and out of the porter escape (which seems not to work). But as soon as I put the syrup on they were on it!

I cannot disturb them as both (fingers crossed) have newly hatched virgin queens. So I must wait two more weeks before disturbing them proper.

Essentially, did they know the downpour which happened literally seconds after I closed up, was coming???

 

[YorkshireBees]

They always know the weather before we do!

Also porter bee escapes are only meant to be used for clearing supers. When left on the bees propolise them open or shut!

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Also porter bee escapes are only meant to be used for clearing supers.

Although they're not particularly good at that either.

Take them out, throw them away and put a piece of thin ply or roof slate over the holes unless using for feeding. Then get/make yourself a rhombus escape board

 

[YorkshireBees]

Although they're not particularly good at that either.

Take them out, throw them away and put a piece of thin ply or roof slate over the holes unless using for feeding. Then get/make yourself a rhombus escape board

 

[Vortex]

Although they're not particularly good at that either.

Take them out, throw them away and put a piece of thin ply or roof slate over the holes unless using for feeding. Then get/make yourself a rhombus escape board

 

[Robbo8916]

They always know the weather before we do!

Also porter bee escapes are only meant to be used for clearing supers. When left on the bees propolise them open or shut!

I only left one in because I am pathetic and don't like the thought of them being trapped in the roof lol

 

[Poly Hive]

Just bear in mind that the bees will work out the clearer board puzzle in about three days so put it on, take the honey off the next day and remove board.

PH

 

[Robbo8916]

Thanks to a very helpful forumite and the lovely lady I got my bees from, I have now also made a contact feeder which is going on the nuc. Luckily the nuc has a gabled roof so no need for an eke.

Thanks for your replies.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Thanks to a very helpful forumite and the lovely lady I got my bees from, I have now also made a contact feeder which is going on the nuc. Luckily the nuc has a gabled roof so no need for an eke.

Thanks for your replies.

You'd be better off using a rapid feeder or almost any other type IMHO

 

[pargyle]

You'd be better off using a rapid feeder or almost any other type IMHO

+1 - Rapid feeder every time ... So easy to top up without interfering with the bees (or them interefering with you !) and I've never seen a drowned bee in them. Only ever used a contact feeder once .... dripped like crazy until the vacuumn set and then dripped as the jar emptied .. threw it away.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Agree too

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I only left one in because I am pathetic and don't like the thought of them being trapped in the roof lol

Just block off all the holes and they won't get up there in the first place