What did you do in the Apiary today?

[JamezF]

Winter hasn't been that unusual.

Certainly here it has. Here it has been exceptionally mild for Winter in general. Prior to this week (when it has dipped ever so slightly below freezing every night) we've had only two frosts. Some insects that we'd not normally see through the Winter have been flying all the way through and we've had the likes of dandelions and daisies flowering all Winter too.

I am aware however that the weather in Lincolnshire (where your profile says you are) can be very different from here and the impression I have from my sister (who also lives in the county) is that their Winter weather has perhaps been somewhat more "normal" than ours.

James

 

[Parsonage Bees]

Certainly here it has. Here it has been exceptionally mild for Winter in general. Prior to this week (when it has dipped ever so slightly below freezing every night) we've had only two frosts. Some insects that we'd not normally see through the Winter have been flying all the way through and we've had the likes of dandelions and daisies flowering all Winter too.

I am aware however that the weather in Lincolnshire (where your profile says you are) can be very different from here and the impression I have from my sister (who also lives in the county) is that their Winter weather has perhaps been somewhat more "normal" than ours.

James

Mild but not that many flying days? 10degC

#edit Dandelions and daisies flowering . . . no, not noticed this.

#edit again# Have we shifted to the climate of southern Europe? Are colonies there big at this time of year? Did see some friends posting their cycling holiday on FB, peddling through almond orchards.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

The treatment free beekeepers would say that these are not the bees you need.

they always use that excuse when bees die through their neglect

 

[JamezF]

Have we shifted to the climate of southern Europe?

I'm reminded of the expression (though who said it first I can't presently recall) that "Britain doesn't have a climate; it just has weather"

James

 

[Penninetrader]

Treatment free neglecter here I think we are all concerned about this and wish to know if this situation happens to us how we might prevent it leading to the loss of a colony. As for the blockage theory, that seems quite logical. We all want to expand our knowledge base I feel.

 

[Parsonage Bees]

Treatment free neglecter here I think we are all concerned about this and wish to know if this situation happens to us how we might prevent it leading to the loss of a colony. As for the blockage theory, that seems quite logical. We all want to expand our knowledge base I feel.

Are you also a 'feeding-free' beekeeper?
In an emergency it would be inhuman not to give fondant.

 

[Moobee]

Mild but not that many flying days? 10degC

#edit Dandelions and daisies flowering . . . no, not noticed this.

#edit again# Have we shifted to the climate of southern Europe? Are colonies there big at this time of year? Did see some friends posting their cycling holiday on FB, peddling through almond orchards.

I’m on the south coast and upto the new year we have had exceptionally mild weather. All my colonies had demolished their supers of honey left on, before the end of December and I’m pretty sure brood rearing has barely paused - a couple of colonies look really big for the time of year. I’ve been feeding fondant almost non stop it seems.

 

[Penninetrader]

Are you also a 'feeding-free' beekeeper?
In an emergency it would be inhuman not to give fondant.

Now now, you have observed me better than that, I mollycoddle my girls, I did mention my first sting of the season last week when supplementing their fondant. I am keeping a very close eye on them regarding food. My plan is to give them some syrup this next week if weather keeps improving. It will mainly be to test their needs rather than lifting CB's. Treatment free is very far from care free. Today my girls have discovered some potted Hyacinths bought at the weekend, they are all over them, very surprising.

 

[Parsonage Bees]

I’m on the south coast and upto the new year we have had exceptionally mild weather. All my colonies had demolished their supers of honey left on, before the end of December and I’m pretty sure brood rearing has barely paused - a couple of colonies look really big for the time of year. I’ve been feeding fondant almost non stop it seems.

I'm forgetting that we take their honey so we should be responsible for feeding them. I've left a super of stores on each expecting it to be enough.

I've wondered what would happen if I left the 3-4 supers of honey on the colony that collected it. This very prolific colony @Newbeeneil that died out might have survived.

#edit Here's an idea: Take your honey crop in April ie. what's left over from the previous year. I'm a radical me.