Most recent blunder, for the newbies.

[theeggman]

The last time, 2 days ago, that we went through the hives we had 1 that was very Q- in a poly 14x12 BB + 1 poly super. Previously there were Q- and at least a dozen Q cells which we removed as the colony were/ are s**ts so we had planned the unite.

Decided to unite with a smaller colony, very Q+, over QX and newspaper.

Wandered past today to see bees entering the tower through the roof.

Sorted but;

If the tower is too tall so that you can't really see, find a box to stand on.
If using wooden cover boards and Paynes 'old roofs' CHECK that the cover board is located correctly.

The top super is now empty and they were starting on the BB.

Lesson learned.

 

[enrico]

It is nice to learn from someone else's mistakes rather than your own..... Thanks for sharing!
E

 

[kazmcc]

We were putting the hive back together at Dusty's apiary last week, and my 9 year old was with us as usual. We finished hive 1, and was just turning to start hive 2 when Arran said " Umm, bees aren't meant to come out of there are they? " Just at his eye level, one of the knots must have fallen out of the wood, underneath the bit that acts as a handle, and bees were coming on and out. No way would we have seen this if it wasn't for the little person.

 

[Mrs Shoot]

Feeding a hive 2 days ago with syrup. Turned the contact feeder over to form a vacuum. There must have been a fault somewhere as good lot gushed out before I realised that no vacuum was being formed. This kicked the 2 hives into action. Had some water nearby so washed down the spilt sugar solution as much as possible without drowning bees at the same time. Felt such a ninny. All contact feeder will now be tested with water 1st.