Winter losses 2014/15

[Roola]

Lost one of my nucs made up last Summer. Was weak going in to winter. They were queenless and few bees. Evidence of opened queen cells meaning either a failed supercedure or I might have squished her during feeding in Autumn and emergency queen failed to mate. My others all seem ok.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Autumn feeding can be perilous. Husband spotted a queen in the empty rapid feeder I had discarded next to the hive! She clumsily took to the air and he managed to catch her to pop her back

 

[Roola]

Autumn feeding can be perilous. Husband spotted a queen in the empty rapid feeder I had discarded next to the hive! She clumsily took to the air and he managed to catch her to pop her back

I was gutted initially but when I thought about it I had prepared myself that they might not make it as they were weaker. I did everything I could including having them in a poly nuc, in between two other poly nuc colonies to provide side insulation and then 60mm Kingspan on top. Jus tone of those things and taking heart the other 4 nucs are really strong and bursting at the seams... need Spring proper now so I can get them into full size hives.

 

[Cussword]

OK, I'll go with that, all my balls where flying well today and they were orientating themselves, noticed a few balls on a tub of crocuses

I can't wait to catch a swarm, right now I have no balls at all

 

[kazmcc]

You're lucky Kaz - no responsibilites in tending your own hive - Dusty being a kindly old saint lets you play with his balls whenever you like

I was going to say I can't wait until I start going round to tend his balls again this year but thought it might be a step too far LOL

 

[Dishmop]

Not looking forward to climbing trees to get my balls back.

 

[Tremyfro]

You are all SOOOO BAAAD......naughty step for you all!

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

I was going to say I can't wait until I start going round to tend his balls again this year but thought it might be a step too far LOL

Oooh Matron!

Don't say that Kaz!

First of all, my pacemaker is overloading

Secondly, you'll bees-up my home-life!

She's still not got over hearing you and I discussing getting rid of the old queen and putting her in the freezer.

Goodness Gracious, Great Bees of Fire!

Dusty

 

[jd101k2000]

This is too funny bees, bee, b--.

 

[irishguy]

Balls

Just checking

 

[irishguy]

You're lucky Kaz - no responsibilites in tending your own hive - Dusty being a kindly old saint lets you play with his balls whenever you like

Lmbo

Dirty old man yee lol

 

[irishguy]

I was going to say I can't wait until I start going round to tend his balls again this year but thought it might be a step too far LOL

Jesus its more like a swinging site now than a beekeeping one. I suppose yous will need a peeping tom now hiding in the cuboard anytime soon. JKB will be along shortly!

 

[For want of a better word]

a peeping tom now hiding in the cuboard anytime soon

...probably dipping something into the jar of Imported Mankuna honey...

what have you got in your cupboard?

Yeghes da

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

what have you got in your cupboard?

Yeghes da

Not sure - but with some of the gibberish he's writing this morning i bet it's on the controlled list