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Honey Pot Tales

Here you can read about some of my adventures in beekeeping.

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Matt

Checking my Langstroths

Saturday, 12 June 2010 00:00

Took a look at my Langstroths today. I don't disturb the new colony too much. I don't see the queen but there's brood and pollen. The other one's fine too. It's not quite as strong as I'd like and it would be good to see more brood. Maybe the queen's not a good layer? She was new last year so should be ok.

There's some honey but I won't have nearly as much as last year (45 lbs) and the oil seed rape is nearly over.

Wrist protection

Wednesday, 09 June 2010 00:00

I've solved the problem of being stung on the wrists! You know those sweat-bands tennis players wear? They're perfect for the job!

Added another box to the Warre

Sunday, 06 June 2010 00:00

Added a second hive box below the first on the Warre, which is known as a "nadir". I do this on my own so don't get a chance to look underneath the first box to get a glimpse at what's going on.

Anyhow, all seems well and the bees are very placid. I'm torn between curiosity to know what's going on and feeling good about not disturbing them too much.

Checking a friend's hives

Saturday, 29 May 2010 00:00

Today I looked at two hives for a friend. She says that they've both swarmed so is not sure what I'll find. The super on the first colony is heavy. There must be a lot of honey. I'm envious! There's no sign of a queen but several queen cells and quite a bit of capped brood. I add a second super. The bees are not pleased to see me and I'm attacked on the wrists again.

The second hive is much weaker. The super is empty and there's not much brood.

Another swarm! - Part 2

Thursday, 20 May 2010 00:00

It's the day after I collected the big swarm. Another lovely evening so I visit the apiary to see if the new colony is making itself at home. Did I pick up the queen or is she still in the hedge?

I check my newest hive. It's not good. There are some bees but only a fraction of the swarm I put in. So I missed the queen after all.

Whilst I'm there I take a quick peek at last week's swarm hive. Maybe I could drop the remaining bees from the newest colony in there?

I open the hive but instead of seeing about a third of a full sized colony the hive is full! It looks as if last night's swarm has moved home!

The Warre looks just fine. Bees coming and going and bringing pollen in. Must build myself another one.

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