| T O P I C R E V I E W |
| cajungal |
Posted - Dec 27 2014 : 06:17:46 AM
While I have enjoyed our south Texas spring-like temps for the last couple months, it hasn't been good for the bees.
The cold of winter signals to the bees to hunker down inside the hive and take a break from all their work. Our temps have been deceiving the bees into thinking it's time to go foraging.
So, the bees go out of the hive looking for plants to forage from and there aren't any because the plants/trees are dormant. The poor bees are using up their honey reserves as food and not replacing it.
Our area has been experiencing 'colony collapse disorder', hive beetles and varroa mite problems. This isn't helping.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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| 6 L A T E S T R E P L I E S (Newest First) |
| Red Tractor Girl |
Posted - Jan 09 2015 : 1:17:23 PM
Catherine, I hope this weather will not result in you losing your bees. It is very tricky with the extremes we have been having the past month!
Winnie #3109
Red Tractor Girl
Farm Sister of the Year 2014 |
| Terralea |
Posted - Jan 09 2015 : 08:06:51 AM
Have you noticed that bees are not the only things confused by the weather? I cannot tell you the times I've asked my trees to cool their jets as they begin to leaf out at the wrong time of the year.
Terralea |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 09 2015 : 05:30:43 AM
Terralea, you say you're not an expert, but you sure do have great insight into beekeeping! You will do well when you set up your hive.
While I do set up feeders, there are still so many unknowns and variables. The number of beekeepers feeding their hives is a fraction of the actual amount of natural hives. Those bees' behaviors are greatly affected by our local deceiving weather.
You're right about local associations, they are an invaluable resource.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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| Terralea |
Posted - Jan 08 2015 : 8:05:06 PM
Have you considered feeding them some type of sugar water so they might be less inclined leave the hive to forage? I'm not a bee expert though I am planning on setting one up this spring. You might run your situation by the local or national bee keepers association to see if they have ideas. Our local association meets once a month and yours may as well.
Terralea |
| cajungal |
Posted - Jan 08 2015 : 7:21:22 PM
Heather, I hope your hives survive and then thrive come springtime.
I'm getting a new 'nuc' in Feb/Mar. I've been building my new boxes for it and sprinkling clover seed all over the pasture area so the bees will have yummy clover nectar.
I am Blessed to live in an area where we have a handful of hobby and commercial apiaries. I can drive about an hour away to pick up my boxed nuc when it's ready.
Catherine
Sister #76 (2005)
One of the best compliments from one of my daughters: "Moma, you smell good...like dirt.
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| Heather B |
Posted - Jan 08 2015 : 4:47:46 PM
I understand completely. My Bees are struggling this year. Late wet spring..summer a bit off and fall not helping and the on again off againfr. My backyard urban Bees are struggling which is unusual. Crossing my fingers.
http://homesteadincity.blogspot.com/
http://littlehouseonthebumper.blogspot.com/ (My "glamper" page)
"Only your real friends tell you when your face is dirty"
Farm Girl Sister #662 |
