Wednesday, April 18, 2012

BEE Mama....

On Sunday, I became a BEE Mama....yep that's right my bees finally arrived for me to take home! As soon as we got home I got all suited up (with my helper) and went to work installing my bees
Here is a little play by play (photos taken by Justin)
BEE MAMA=ME
 Me and Lance my hive helper
 The first things I did was remove the top wood panel and take out the sugar water can.
 I tried to get the queen package out right away but there were just to many bees, so I shook some of the bees out first. Sounds easier than it was...
 Now I remove the Queen package from the box and remove the plug that is over the "sweet candy". Now the workers bees will eat through that candy to let the Queen out. This can take 3-5 days. During that time the bees will get used to the Queen and realize she is their leader. If you introduce the Queen right away they would kill her immediately.
 In this picture, I am inserting the Queen between two frames. The queen package needs to face up so she can crawl out once the bees eat through the candy.
 I put in their sugar water feeder, then I'm done with the first hive.
 Now it's 4 days later (today)....and it's time to check the hive once again.
 #1: To see if the Queen has been released. #2 To check their sugar water supply
I took yet another willing helper to the hive with me...Caleb wanted to go this time.
 This is what we found out.
 #1 The queen was still inside the holder in both hives.
#2 They have enough sugar water to last them another 2 days in both hives
The little white tube looking thing is where the Queen. They all gather around her, they are attracted by her scent, and feed her while she is in there.
 Here is the sugar water feeder, which is their main food source right now. It is an equal mix of sugar to water.  The young bees won't leave the hive much until the temps reach 70 degrees. Also there are not many sources of pollen for them to eat right now. They do enjoy dandelions....which is why we didn't spray our yard this year kill them. The pesticide would also kill my bees. (Which I never realized till bee school). It is something to consider if you have honey hives near you before you spray any kind of pesticide at all.
 Both hives seems to be very active and healthy at this point. I even saw that each hive is building their comb already!! Yahoo that's what we want!
 There isn't a ton of action at the entrance of the hive at this point. We did see a few bees coming back to the hive, and a few guard bees patrolling the area. I hope within the next couple weeks as it warm up more we will see some traffic jams at the entrances because everyone will "bee" working hard!


3 comments:

taryn said...

Oh wow! I think it's great and amazing that you're doing this Danielle! Do you think you'd ever be up for some visitors for a little educational "field trip"? I think my kids would be fascinated! And, I know that, if you get to the point where you'd sell some honey, my mom would be interested. All the best to you in your new adventure! :)

Unknown said...

Such a great post! My bees arrive tomorrow... Can't wait!

Tanya said...

Oh, you know I'm jealous! But, in a good way of course. Great, and informative post. Fun that your kids are getting in on the action. Love that! We may be getting a couple of pigs in May...we will see. Hope so!

Blessings,

Tanya

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