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Barnyard Buddies:  All things Bees  |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 15 2010 : 04:51:41 AM
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I have that book. A friend recomended it. I also read on bush farm web site. A more natural way of doing things.
I hived my package on tuesday. Oh my that was alot of bees. Wednesday, we had a nice warm day, and the hive was sure busy. They are fun to watch. Friday, I will check on the queen and hopefully remove the cage. Cant' wait to peak a little and see what is going on.
Michele |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 06:18:59 AM
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I recommend Keeping Bees and Making Honey by Alison Benjamin and Brian McCallum. It's in softcover and very good for the beginning beekeeper. Try to find an experienced beekeeper to mentor you. That's the best education--getting into a hive with someone who knows what she's doing. And don't dispair if your first attempts fail. Experienced beekeepers lose hives all the time without ever knowing what went wrong! We just split a hive (a mentor helped) so I'll keep you posted on our success. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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CherryPie
True Blue Farmgirl
935 Posts
Kimberly Ann
Puyallup
WA
USA
935 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 07:28:42 AM
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You guys are my heroes. :-)
I'm reading up on beekeeping but unless I can find someone local to host the hive, I don't think it is in the cards for me. I hope you all have a bountiful season - enjoy your honey!
Kimberly Ann
Farmgirl Sister #225
Crochet Geek, Newbie Fiddler, Would-be Farmer, Backyard Chicken Rancher, Eager Podcaster
http://beesinourbonnetsintheburbs.blogspot.com/
Podcasts at http://thefannyfarm.blogspot.com/ |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 5:11:02 PM
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Have not been able to check the hive today. It was so windy and a bit cold, thought it was best to wait till tomorrow. Sure hope I find an empty queen cage.
Michele |
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Chives
True Blue Farmgirl
232 Posts
Victoria
Shelton
Washington
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - Apr 16 2010 : 7:47:57 PM
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| Thanks for the book ideas. I emailed the Washington bee associaton, and they have beginners bee class. I can join the association for twenty dollars and they have a list of mentors. Thats amazing. Kim they must have one in your area. Iam excited. vicki Sister #280 |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2010 : 04:41:23 AM
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Kim, Beekeeping is not hard, and not too time-consuming. If anything, the initial set up is expensive, but after that it's one big science experiment. Some books make it more complicated than it really is, and remember...we don't really keep bees...they keep us! Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2010 : 7:42:34 PM
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I have been reading bee books too. So far my favorite books are "The Backyard Beekeper" and "The Backyard Beekeeper's Honey Handbook" by Kim Flottum. They offer detailed information and lots of pictures and diagrams.
I just picked up a copy of "Natural Beekeeping" by Ross Conrad at the library today. I am very curious to know how he manages the bees without chemicals. I practice IPM for weed, disease and insect control in my business all the time. I am particularly interested in learning new or better ways to do my job while protecting bees in the urban landscape.
Vicki, I'm glad to hear you found a class in your area and will be able to find a mentor, too! I'm going to join my local chapter soon, too. I just missed the last class for Spring but they will be offering more classes again in the fall. WSU extension also offers a master beekeeper class in the fall. Yay!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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Chives
True Blue Farmgirl
232 Posts
Victoria
Shelton
Washington
USA
232 Posts |
Posted - Apr 17 2010 : 8:50:50 PM
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| Michelle -- did you check the hive for the queen? Marilyn -- are you going to go totally natural with your bees? If I get bees I want to go natural. I am trying to learn about essential oils to use ect. I worry about mites and colony collapse disorder. There is so much to read about a little tiny bee. Vicki |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 08:23:54 AM
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Vicki:
Yes, I'm planning to manage my bees with natural practices. I don't know if my friend does this or not, so to start out with I am going to be open minded and just watch and learn. Then I can take the direction I want with my hives when I have some experience under my belt.
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 4:56:07 PM
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May I join in. I just hived my first bees yesterday. That was a little traumtic. I was sweating so bad I looked like I had taken a dip in the pool when it was all done. My husband couldn't quit laughing. I don't remember but he claims I just kept saying "Oh hell no I can't do this." Finally he pitched in and we got them hived but it sure didn't go as smoothly as the books claim. All the books say I should wait at least 5-7 days to check them. But as I read through the posts I see that most of you recommend only 3-4 days. My question then is... I put them in Saturday afternoon, I work tomorrow, off Tueday, and then work again Weds & Thursday, off Friday (I work 16 hour shifts so on day I work there will be no checking the bees). Should I check them on Tuesday (not quite a full 3 days) or wait until Friday (6 days in)?
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Apr 18 2010 : 11:55:56 PM
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I just joined the Washington State Beekeepers Association and I am taking my Apprentice Beekeepers tests. I am so excited about this.I am taking the class at W.S.U. in Puyallup. Kimberly they have a meeting every month on the first Monday at 6:30. If you need info you should come to the next one and talk to someone.This is something I have wanted to do for a long time.I have enjoyed reading this topic.
Robin
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From Sheep to Handspun."
http://mountainmorningfarm.blogspot.com |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 05:31:39 AM
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Checked my bees on Sat. The queen was out of her cage, and no stings. I am going to take a clser look later this week, to check on progress of comb building. I am foundationless. They sure are intersting to watch.
Michele |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 19 2010 : 3:55:16 PM
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Michele, Are your bees bringing anything into the hive yet? If so, they should be making comb in no time--they are very industrious. Then your queen should start laying after that. The eggs are tiny white grain-like dots. Best way to see them is to hold the frame up with the sun over your back. They're hard to see at first, but once you do you'll know they're eggs. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2010 : 05:17:36 AM
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My frames are almost all filled with comb. I checked on sat and could not believe it. Talk about comb building machines. I did put another hive box on, I hope it was not too early. But I got excited when I saw the comb. I have 8 frame,foundationless, med. hive boxes. I am not sure if I saw eggs or not when I imspected. I saw pollen, and nector or sugar syrup in some too. There was also some that were capped, but I thought it looked like it was white. So that would mean honey?? Gosh it was so interesting. I also saw one bee loaded with pollen. They are still taking sugar syrup, and I have a pollen patty in the hive for them. That is about three quarters gone now. I can't wait to peak again!
Michele |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2010 : 7:23:18 PM
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I am so glad I found this forum. I hav enjoyed reading it so much. Thanks. I am just getting started in bees.
Robin
Farm Girl from Western Washington
" From Sheep to Handspun."
http://mountainmorningfarm.blogspot.com |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - Apr 24 2010 : 8:03:06 PM
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Bees are such fun! Today I got to set up a small 5-frame hive and add the package bees and queen. I also got to watch my mentors split several hives and re-queen them. They will keep my small hive at their bee yard for a couple of weeks. In the meantime they gave me all the parts to assemble a 10-frame hive. My homework assignment is to assemble the hive, paint it, and get it set up in position at my place. When it is all ready we will move the bees to my yard. I can hardly wait!
Cheers! ~ Marilyn
Farm Girl No. 1100
Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail. - Ralph Waldo Emerson |
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shepherdess
True Blue Farmgirl
359 Posts
Robin
Eatonville
Washington
USA
359 Posts |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 26 2010 : 03:41:13 AM
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Michelle, Eggs are sometimes hard to spot. I inspected both our hives on Saturday all by myself (couldn't wait for my husband to come home from fishing) and in the smaller and newer of the two hives (from a split the week before) I spotted the queen (a first) but could not see eggs. I'll check again later this week. Lighter cappings are honey, darker ones are pollen, drone brood capping is bullet shaped, and brood should be in the center. It should resemble a rainbow pattern. As long as your bees are taking sugar syrup, keep feeding them. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - Apr 27 2010 : 04:29:28 AM
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They are still taking syrup. It is so neat to see them come back to the hive loaded with pollen.
Michele |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 2:07:07 PM
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I have a question for you long timers in beekeeping. I checked my hive today and was really disappointed. Not in the progress of my bees but in what I found. I put my girls in the hive April 17. It was a new hive with new frames and comb. I got packaged bees from what was surposed to be a reputable establishment. In only 12 days my hive is invested with small hive beetles. I held one of the frames to check for eggs and noticed most of the comb had several eggs in each section. I knew that was not right so I did more investigation and found and killed several adult beetles. I can't help but think they somehow came with the package. I just don't know how they could have gotten started so quickly. I read up on it and I know they are a real pest here in Texas but I just don't see how they could have gotten that strong in 12 days. Am I wrong in thinking that the bee supplier is supplying more than honey bees? I did find my queen. She is doing great. I just hope the traps I just ordered get here before those darn beetles wipe out my hive.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 3:17:46 PM
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Victoria, It sounds like the beetles came with the package of bees, as they could not have possibly reproduced in a hive empty of bees! You must contact the person you bought the bees from as well as the your state or county bee inspector. What are you doing to rid the hive of the beetles? Did the bees look healthy otherwise? My heart goes out to you and your girls! Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 4:12:09 PM
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Oh, yeah, not good. Did you ask for some kind of inspection certificate from the bee supplier? Most reputable suppliers can and should provide one. Dian is right, you need a state inspector to come and assess the damage, especially if your area is not prone to hive beetles...they will definitely want to note it. I hope the supplier gives you your money back and that your traps come soon! 
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View My Work:
art/dolls: www.vagabondcreations.blogspot.com
The Horse Drawn Project and Farming!
www.beyondvagabond.blogspot.com
View the blog and radio show!
Renegade Farming!: www.therenegadefarmer.com
NEXT RADIO SHOW: May 2nd ~ Interview with Eric Herm, author of "Son of A Farmer, Child of the Earth"!
Renegade Online beekeeping CLASS MAY 9th! http://therenegadefarmer.com/?p=939 |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 5:44:12 PM
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I did not get an inspection certificate. I do not know if Texas even has a bee inspection. I felt fairly safe because the supplier was recommended in several mags and books. I so upset. I just hope I can get them under control before my hive is damaged.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 6:25:51 PM
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Oh Victoria, I am so sorry I might have even thought to remove the entire hive of live bees and start over by rehoming them in an entirely new hive with new frames, though that could cost a little time at 12 days gone by, but my worry is that you can carry a few of the beetles into the new hive, since it sounds like there were a good deal you found. Yeah, there should be bee inspectors somewhere near you, maybe your extension office would know.
Even in New York City, we have a state bee inspector. He actually came down from his district to visit us when we first got our bees. If you get a hold of him, perhaps he has some ideas on what to do while waiting for your beetle traps.
~*~Dream all you dreamers~*~
View My Work:
art/dolls: www.vagabondcreations.blogspot.com
The Horse Drawn Project and Farming!
www.beyondvagabond.blogspot.com
View the blog and radio show!
Renegade Farming!: www.therenegadefarmer.com
NEXT RADIO SHOW: May 2nd ~ Interview with Eric Herm, author of "Son of A Farmer, Child of the Earth"!
Renegade Online beekeeping CLASS MAY 9th! http://therenegadefarmer.com/?p=939 |
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EastTXFarmgirl
True Blue Farmgirl
731 Posts
Victoria
Farmgirl #549
TX
USA
731 Posts |
Posted - Apr 29 2010 : 10:04:11 PM
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I received an email for a beekeeper in Dallas. Apparently the small hive beetle is so common in Texas he acted like it was no big deal. He claims that there is really no way to control them here. I plan on continuing with my traps and trying. From what he says it is something you live with in Texas. I feel really bad because I sent an email to the supplier telling them how disappointed I am. (Before I got the news of how common they are) He did say that they probably did come with the package though. He also said that I shouldn't lose the hive, that the bees will "round them up". I moved to Texas from Washington state and sometimes I really miss not having all these bugs. I'm here to tell you Texas has some bugs.
Begin each morning with a song in your heart. |
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Barnyard Buddies: All things Bees |
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All things Bees
