Recent content by JKemp

Hi all, a little advice please. I’m in my 2nd season with a colony I purchased from a local ‘well known’ breeder. The colony has been great and even produced a little honey for me last year. Treated for Varroa in autumn (Apilife VAR8, checked mite drop and all seemed good. A massive colony that...

It might seem a stupid question but I watched a bit of the BBC series Victorian Farm. In it they talked about beekeeping and the local beekeeper ‘caught a swarm’...... He said “ah these are nice Italian bees” They looked the same as my Buckfasts.....can you really tell the difference? Do...

Sorry that probably came across a bit harsh. But why are you getting stung so much? I’ve been around both horrible hives and nice ones but not stung once. Admittedly I’ll not open a hive without protection but what attracts them to you to be stung so much?

I’ve had my bees about the same time.....why are you getting stung so much? I’ve not been stung at all. I wear a jacket/veil (cheap one) and blue nitrile gloves. Treat the bees with respect and they won’t try to sting you?

Hi Bobba, Got a 6 fr Nuc nearly 3 weeks ago. Transferred to National with un-drawn new foundation. Fed 2.5l sugar/syrup in first week then same following week (as recommended by the breeder). By then they had drawn practically all the new brood comb so popped a super on. 8 out of the 10 are...

So I have had my colony for just over 2 weeks. A 6 frame nuc transferred to national. Last week after a quick inspection I put on a super. Today super is 8 frames full and about half capped! Now down below, all looks good and plenty of brood. A few frames of capped honey and pollen stores...

I've one of their budget hives, nothing wrong with them at all.

I have had no problem with Thornes at all....other companies yes. So give me an example of a better company? Ive not found one yet to compare

So tonight I collected my first Nuc....Now, (after an hours drive) they are sat happily in their box ready for transferring to the hive in the next few days. Was lovely to meet my nuc supplier, finally and be given some sound advice for the future (and hear some amazing tips!). I'll apologise...

Thanks, Between Exeter and Tiverton. Yes noticed the price increase! As for Flowhive.....nearly fell into that trap a few years ago!. As for the bee gut(s).... I wonder what eltalia want to know? Perhaps they are unsure of Bifidobacterium asteroides or Lactobacilli and how they can...

Thanks

Yes plenty but this will be my first solo colony

After a little advice: Long story short; 12yrs ago I was nearly a beekeeper, joined the local BKA did my 'training' etc. but work family and life got in the way..... Now I am able to follow things up... I have hive and equipment ready....bees from a local very well respected BK coming soon...

Hi All. After many years of procrastination I have finally set up my hives and await my first Nuc. I joined my local BKA many years ago and did a lot of beginners training/workshops etc but work/location and family commitments kept me from starting....Well everything is now in place: Nice rural...