multipurposegoddess (![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png)
multipurposegoddess) wrote2011-05-14 11:54 am
multipurposegoddess) wrote2011-05-14 11:54 am
Entry tags:
Hive Expansion, Phase I
The bees now have a fancy two-story condo. Installation was no problem at all.
I also retrieved the definitely empty queen cage and inspected the frames for brood. There are about 7 frames actively being worked on. I wasn't able to absolutely confirm the presence of brood, as I was looking for the tan, cardboard-looking surface that the books describe and everything was actually coated in bright yellow pollen, but there were the tall cells that should be drone brood, all clumped together like they are supposed to be, so they were probably surrounded by worker brood. I forgot about holding the frames up to the sun to look through the wax for eggs and larva, but it was pretty overcast to be trying that anyway. I think we're probably in good shape. And I have to assume that all that pollen is a good thing.
The feeder was empty, so I refilled it - as long as they are eating the syrup, I will supply it, I guess. I tossed the gallon bag of syrup that was on top of the hive. It wasn't empty, but it had been out in the sun for longer than seems safe for anything to eat.
Tried out the smoker, so now I know I can work it with the gloves on, but I didn't need it. These bees are pretty docile. They were understandably disturbed by me moving frames around and reaching into the heart of the hive to get the queen cage, but were never really aggressive and calmed down quickly. Which is nice for me.
Wednesday was fascinated by the whole thing. I don't know if she is actually interested in the bees or suspects that any out of the ordinary thing I do might result in the appearance of tuna, but she stuck close and watched carefully. But she didn't pounce on anything or stick her nose close enough to get stung, so that's all right I guess.
Pictures:
Also 10 second movie that I don't know how to embed at gallery.me.com/multipurposegoddess#100040
All taken with my phone. Living in the future.
I'll try to remember to bring out a camera of some sort while I have the top open some time, that's a more interesting view.
I also retrieved the definitely empty queen cage and inspected the frames for brood. There are about 7 frames actively being worked on. I wasn't able to absolutely confirm the presence of brood, as I was looking for the tan, cardboard-looking surface that the books describe and everything was actually coated in bright yellow pollen, but there were the tall cells that should be drone brood, all clumped together like they are supposed to be, so they were probably surrounded by worker brood. I forgot about holding the frames up to the sun to look through the wax for eggs and larva, but it was pretty overcast to be trying that anyway. I think we're probably in good shape. And I have to assume that all that pollen is a good thing.
The feeder was empty, so I refilled it - as long as they are eating the syrup, I will supply it, I guess. I tossed the gallon bag of syrup that was on top of the hive. It wasn't empty, but it had been out in the sun for longer than seems safe for anything to eat.
Tried out the smoker, so now I know I can work it with the gloves on, but I didn't need it. These bees are pretty docile. They were understandably disturbed by me moving frames around and reaching into the heart of the hive to get the queen cage, but were never really aggressive and calmed down quickly. Which is nice for me.
Wednesday was fascinated by the whole thing. I don't know if she is actually interested in the bees or suspects that any out of the ordinary thing I do might result in the appearance of tuna, but she stuck close and watched carefully. But she didn't pounce on anything or stick her nose close enough to get stung, so that's all right I guess.
Pictures:
Also 10 second movie that I don't know how to embed at gallery.me.com/multipurposegoddess#100040
All taken with my phone. Living in the future.
I'll try to remember to bring out a camera of some sort while I have the top open some time, that's a more interesting view.
no subject
I just get a tremendous kick out of thinking of you in a beekeeping suit. When will you actually be able to get honey from it?
no subject
I don't have a full-on suit, just a veiled hat and gloves. I'll try to get a picture of me next time.
I might be able to get honey as early as this Fall, but I will probably wait until next year to give the bees plenty of stored food for the Winter. So, assuming the Rapture next week or the Mayan Apocalypse or whatever else is coming doesn't interfere, late 2012. I fully expect to have surplus to give away!