Re: Today's Buzz!
Posted: Thu May 09, 2024 8:36 am
8th May, temperatures up into double figures and holding at last! With better weather the colonies were all very busy bringing in nectar and pollen of many colours. They are generally in good humour at this time of the year and tolerate a full inspection without becoming defensive, which is ideal when you need to carry out a full examination of every frame in the brood chamber. Any that are readily defensive at this time are telling you that something needs attention.
We carried out the first full inspections this week and all but one were remarkably well on with brood across 9 frames in couple of hives, which goes to show that even in all that very poor weather and low temperatures they were getting on with it. Brood nests were carefully examined and queens were marked. As with previous years we replaced two or three frames in each with fresh foundation, which ensures complete replacement every three years. Old frames are kept for swarm traps unless they are beyond use. Donor frames were taken to boost the colony that was not performing as well as the rest.
Ekes and fondant feeders were removed, mesh floors cleared of debris, varroa boards cleaned, then three prepared supers put on each. All colonies are now queenright, have stores of honey and pollen, and space to build up. A final check on the structural integrity of each hive and we were done.
There were no signs of queen cells at this inspection but drones were observed in most colonies which confirms the swarm season has started. That changes the frequency of our inspections to weekly for the time being. Happy days!
We carried out the first full inspections this week and all but one were remarkably well on with brood across 9 frames in couple of hives, which goes to show that even in all that very poor weather and low temperatures they were getting on with it. Brood nests were carefully examined and queens were marked. As with previous years we replaced two or three frames in each with fresh foundation, which ensures complete replacement every three years. Old frames are kept for swarm traps unless they are beyond use. Donor frames were taken to boost the colony that was not performing as well as the rest.
Ekes and fondant feeders were removed, mesh floors cleared of debris, varroa boards cleaned, then three prepared supers put on each. All colonies are now queenright, have stores of honey and pollen, and space to build up. A final check on the structural integrity of each hive and we were done.
There were no signs of queen cells at this inspection but drones were observed in most colonies which confirms the swarm season has started. That changes the frequency of our inspections to weekly for the time being. Happy days!