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Hi all, couldn't find any topics on this, so sorry if it's been asked before. I am about to re-unite after an AS (dont have space to increase). All checks made and new Q laying fine, worker brood etc. I will use the newspaper method and want to keep the new Q and get rid of the old Q...

Hi all, just a quick question (well, 2 really) I have decided to feedback 5 super frames of honey back to the bees for winter stores, i will make a small space in the crownboard, place under the super and let them rob it onto the brood box. 1) how long will it take them to take it downstairs...

Hi all, probably been asked a million times before... This is the first full year where I have had supers get filled, replaced, filled etc (up to now, lousy beekeeping and or weather has prevented success) I have been taking off a full super at a time as we have had really late OSR and fear...

Hi All Just got a new red cedar hive, and nailed the metal runners to it this morning. Started sneezing and itching looked at my arms where the boxes had been resting as I was nailing, to my surprise I had blisters on my skin! Anyone else experienced this? Gary

Hi all Not that happy with the amount of bees on the varandah at night...also loads of fanning in the morning when the sun is on the hive... All pretty normal I know..but when I inspected on Saturday, they poured out the top almost like they were gasping! There's no top ventilation at all...

Hi all Did an inspection today. Total mite count after 2 weeks =100. Have fed a bit over the past couple of weeks also.. They seemed light at the time. Plenty of brood mostly capped and some larvae.. Lots of stores now as you would expect so removed feed. But saw a few empty play cups...

Hi all, a quick question/observation. my bees are calm when I inspect, just one or two curious ones buzz around... until the last frame. It normally takes about 10/15 minutes for me to get to the last frame (the one nearest the entrance) and, like clockwork, they start to go a bit crazy - not...

Hi all Basic question but I have forgotten.. Can you feed and do thymol at the same time? Cheers! Gary

Today was, most probably, one of the best days of my life... Second year of beekeeping and have had one 'learning experience' after another...resigning myself to the fact that year 2 would not yield any honey. Swarms, queen less twice, new queen killed, the list is endless... Today i decided...

1) a hived swarm can swarm again 7 weeks after hiving 2) always shake or brush bees off frames so you can spot qc's 3) a swarm (mentioned above) doesn't always stay in the skep. They can fly off again 3 times. Before finally heading off in the sunset. Of course on a 30 degree day... 4) stock up...

Hi all, an odd situation today - wouldn't mind your views.. Over the past few days I have noticed about 20/50 bees clinging under the mesh hive on the outside, didn't think much about it - thoght maybe some syrup had dripped through. Did an inspection yesterday - all fine, queen spotted, eggs...

Hi all, apiguard off last sunday, and I lowered the inspection tray back to its normal place. Feeding started. Now, I have noticed about 10/20 bees hanging around the underneath of the mesh-floor (outside) and the corner of the beehaus, where the leg meets the pastic seems to be getting a lot of...

Hi.. just about to finish thymol treatment and noticed that some of the bees have a white circular patch between their wings on their backs.. a bit like they have had their hair dyed blond in a circle! any ideas? is it from the Apiguard? I got a close up look at one, and its the hair that has...

Hi All, For those that are interested - here's a summary of my first day with the girls. For the more experienced amoung you, I hope it provokes some memories - for the newbee's perhaps it will give you some reassurance that you're not alone. Probably best for me to split this in two -...

Hi all - I was watching my bees come and go this morning, overhead I noticed a bee which looked to be holding something big. It dropped to the ground about a foot infront of me, along with its cargo. The cargo was deposited on the grass and then the bee flew off again. On closer inspection of...

Sorry if this has been asked a million times before. My bees (finally) arrive tomorrow - I'm just looking for the best syrup recipe - I have a contact feeder but have so far found about 5 different mixes! so can you please help? 1) What is the best mix for autum feeding of a new nuc 2) How...

:party: Spare brood frames made - check one (wishful thinking) super frame made - check 25 tons of sugar in the cupboard - check practice lighting smoker - check neigbours informed - check Final inspection of the empty purple tardis - check Sleepness night ahead with excitement and nerves -...

Dr Who just landed in the back of my garden. It looks great - like a big purple tardis! Came with a good guide about how to use the beehaus effectively for swarm control etc. 3 weeks until bees arrive - I shall be getting my bee-suit on and practicing with the dummy boards until then. I can...

Hi all, just a quickie. Is it possible to use only half the beehaus brood box (ie 10 frames with the divider) but use all 4 supers across the top? not sure how this would work. Or, if you use only half the brood box - can you only usde 2 supers (can't imagine that would be enough) Thanks