What did you do in the Apiary today?

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Can't believe that people are clattering and banging around in their hives already - have I missed a weather warning and am the only one sat in cold and damp weather?

 

[kazmcc]

am the only one sat in cold and damp weather?

Yes

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I'd expect at least a week of warm conditions - 14 degrees and above before having a quick look let alonethinking of doing anything serious.

 

[Goran]

I'd expect at least a week of warm conditions - 14 degrees and above before having a quick look let alonethinking of doing anything serious.

Over here for days 24 and sunny.. Some even next week plan to start with qrearing

 

[kazmcc]

I'd expect at least a week of warm conditions - 14 degrees and above before having a quick look let alonethinking of doing anything serious.

But this is it for us in Manchester. This is the best it gets

 

[fred scuttle]

Checked all my colonies today and they were all out of fondant (Neopoll) even though I stocked them all up less than 2 weeks ago so must be expanding nicely.

However, one of the hives looked quite weak so I'm thinking her Maj hasn't made it through the Winter but still too early to open yet to confirm my suspicions....

Is there anything I can do with a weak colony at this time of year, or do I await the first FULL inspection before doing anything major at all??? I'm thinking it's the latter but if anyone knows otherwise it would be much appreciated advice indeed.....

 

[victor meldrew]

Inspected the hives with Dusty today. No Arran today, he's off in Newcastle for a break with his aunties. It was a lovely afternoon, and the bees looked to be bringing lots of pollen in. Willow I reckon. Both hives doing well, and hive 2 queen (my queen ) looks to be going into her 3rd year very well. All very quiet and wasn't interested in us at all.

One amusing incident happened where I just took the CB off hive 2 and a bee picked up a long strand of clingfilm left over from the fondant, and flew off and over the roof of the garage with it. Other than that, we couldn't be happier with them. Glad to be back amongst them. I do miss it over winter

Willow is being exploited by my bees at the moment ,

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

Can't believe that people are clattering and banging around in their hives already - have I missed a weather warning and am the only one sat in cold and damp weather?

A number of references to "got a chance to go through" elsewhere in this connection make me feel really lazy. I am a few weeks behind last year, when my first A/S was 24 April, so I am really happy because I LOVE this stage of them building up more or less untouched and I don't have to spend my time "clattering and banging", let alone with some psycho 6-boxer trying to kill me (my least favourite time of the beeking year). The one I did have to quickly go through has a ways to go; only a few frames of brood (but including some sealed drones ) but frame after frame of polished cells. So when it all comes on it will all come on. In the meantime, I am enjoying the peace and quiet.

 

[MuswellMetro]

I'd expect at least a week of warm conditions - 14 degrees and above before having a quick look let alonethinking of doing anything serious.

its been 14+ here for two weeks, yesterday 17c, oak tree leaves are out, pears in flower, cherry just finished,blackthorn almost over, OSR pollen comming in ,and hedgerow are now all green buds ( it must be the London Smog)

Some of my 14x12 are on 8 brood frames, all are on 5 unless in frost pockets or nosemic

i expect the swarm calls to start in a week from beekeepers who have not inspected and their hives and are honey block because they fed fondant without hefting

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

this is Manchester. This is the best it gets

Hmm - I'd heard that was the city motto

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

its been 14+ here for two weeks, yesterday 17c, oak tree leaves are out, pears in flower, cherry just finished,blackthorn almost over, OSR pollen comming in ,and hedgerow are now all green buds ( it must be the London Smog)

Some of my 14x12 are on 8 brood frames, all are on 5 unless in frost pockets or nosemic

i expect the swarm calls to start in a week from beekeepers who have not inspected and their hives and are honey block because they fed fondant without hefting

But as I keep getting told - London is on a different planet (well, my brother is for sure )

 

[kazmcc]

I think it was 16oC here yesterday, and that is considered a beautiful Manchester summer

 

[linoleum bonypart]

Is this a typical spring ???? Wish it was 14c here

 

[Brian Bush]

Checked the lady I am mentoring hive yesterday. It was a swarm from last year. It built up well and went into the winter with plenty of bees and stores. The Queen is now drone laying!! We found her and marked her for easy finding. I am providing another queen for replacement. I felt sorry for my 'pupil' but these things happen.

 

[bpmurray]

I could hear them from the house and I went down to find them spread all over the front of the hives - I removed the mouse guards and it seems to have quietened down. I checked the fondant and the 2.5kg block I put on each is half gone already. Hopefully, they won't need feeding again, although I won't assume anything yet.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Took advantage of some sunshine and gentle warmth to swap in a full frame of stores into a light colony.
Some open brood in there but I didn't look any further

 

[Goran]

Some colonies which I inspected 26.3. were on 4-5 frames of brood, now they are at 8.. Not complete frame but on both sides ( with less or more store arches)..
Honey is pouring down from the combs ( wild cherry mostly)..
Colonies selling postponed, maybe tomorrow ( if buyer wait too long, will have them on branches..)
Play cups seen..

Forgot, warm and sunny about 24celsius. Blowing warm southern wind..

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

not much - damp overcast and dreary here - and I was busy with work things - meeting in the Midlands tomorrow. Had a mooch around the apiary about lunchtime as I could hear a lot of activity when I went to feed the hens - bees were going bonkers, willow pollen coming in by the bucket load so many bees out foraging they were clustered all over the front of the hives waiting to get in.

 

[Tdod]

found 2 of my hives are queenless strange really lol they are lugging pollen in but its all for nothing .. dont know whether to combine with a couple of overwintered nucs or just call it a day with those 2 hives ???

 

[Plenty of honey]

found 2 of my hives are queenless strange really lol they are lugging pollen in but its all for nothing .. dont know whether to combine with a couple of overwintered nucs or just call it a day with those 2 hives ???

Isn't that one of the main uses of overwintering nucs, to cover winter losses. If you've got the bees right in you apiary right at the beginning of April, then use them. Much better than having to buy some!!