Search results

Here's an update of how things have progresses. We have had a couple of nice days here in Fife, so have managed today to have a good look in both hives. Hive 2 which the recommended vertical split was performed on has shown emergency cells in both brood boxes, so I have re-untied them on...

Thanks guys, so much helpful information. I have converted a CB to a split board and the weather looks pleasing for tomorrow, so will do a vertical split and check once again for eggs (need a magnifying glass these days!) and take some photos if I remember. Also have moved over to hessian as...

Thanks guys, all your posts have provided me with loads of information, especially the vertical split, which I will investigate further. This is most certainly the earliest I have ever seen swarm preparations, in fact previously I would not really have any concerns until at least mid June...

The weather here in Fife has been consistently awful, with today, probably being the best, no rain or wind, but still cool. Would they swarm in such unsuitable conditions, or as I believe they have made plans then got stuck at home, as the hive is full of bees, wish I had marked the queen last...

Despite the temp being around 10 degrees, there was only a slight breeze, so I finally made it into both hives. Hive 1, is looking really healthy with BIAS over 7 frames and ample stores, feels like about 10Kg. They had not used the nadired super for brood, so I have moved the super up with a...

Morning, The weather up here in Fife has been unpredictable, and despite a nice day yesterday, next week is going back down to under 10 degrees. As I am unsure as to when I will be able to do a full inspection, do you think that there is any benefit of moving the nadired supers above the BB...

Afternoon, Looking to get ahead of the season and purchase an extractor. This seems like a good deal, has anyone got any experience with this extractor and also the company...

Morning Guys, Had an opportunity to have a look in both hives yesterday, as it got to a rather pleasant 13 degrees after lunch. First hive, is progressing well, brood and eggs over 5 frames. Lots of stores Second Hive, no sign of eggs or queen, bees over 4 frames. Should I leave this hive...

Afternoon, Took your advice and went in today as morning temp was 10 degrees. Floor had been eaten under the mouse guard, Have lost 4 super frames which were nadired and thankfully only 2 brood frames. Did not find the culprit, and hopefully will not be back. I will be changing over to...

Afternoon guys, Just did a fondant and tray check on both my hives. One is showing signs that their is something un bee like in the hive, lots of chewed wax and bee legs! Mouse guard was put on at beginning of October, and the hives are located on top of a shipping container, so it must be...

Had an early start onsite today, 8AM and 2 degrees, so decided to check the hives for fondant, without bothering to put on my suit, as I have done throughout the winter months. Hive 2 as expected, nice and calm slowly eating their way through the fondant. Hive 1. BANG! full on assault, bees...

Afternoon all, Both hives have been out flying today, in the sun. So was thinking of applying Apivar. However I have supers left on over winter, one on top the other on the bottom. Can I apply Apivar with them on, or will this possibly taint the wax. As always, thanks in advance for anyone...

Thanks Wilco, will certainly link to the numerous other bee species on site, it is also surprising how little people know about pollinators and the majority still believe that it is only bees.

Evening all, Sounds like some of you have had a bumper year, and I have really enjoyed hosting bees again on site here on behalf of the charity, The Ecology Centre. I have spent a lot of time talking to our site visitors about bees, their life cycle and all the jobs they do before becoming...

Morning all, My hives are up high on a shipping container, to keep them away from the public on site. During the winter the prevailing wind will be direct towards the entrance of the hives. Can anyone suggest if there would be an issue with turning the hives around 180 degrees so that the...

Evening Guys A quick update on the original post. Got prepped to move a test frame from the Q+ hive. Then a full inspection of believed failed supersedure hive, shaking off each frame. No queens cells found not even any evidence that they actually existed at all and a nice healthy black...

Will move a frame from the other hive tomorrow and report back. Thank you so much gents, have a good evening

Hi Jeff, Have just checked my records, Capped supersedure cell was found on the 21st July, located central on frame 6. Emergency cells do not look they are from drone cells, but are slightly lower on the frame than the one previously found. Will try a test frame as Jenkins advised after...

Afternoon all, After many years away from Beekeeping and this forum (although I have still been having a read, and see that some of the names from my past are still here), I have been lucky enough this year to host 2 hives on the 10 acre site I now manage for a charity in Fife. I have 2 hives...

Good Evening, Previously I was a member here, whilst managing 4 hives in the Scottish Highlands. The help I received here enabled me to become quite proficient in the hobby and it was great to always have some where to share and receive assistance. I have now moved down to Fife and work for...