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Barnyard Buddies:  All things Bees  |
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sherrye
True Blue Farmgirl
3775 Posts
sherry
bend in the high desert
oregon
USA
3775 Posts |
 Posted - Apr 30 2010 : 09:21:21 AM
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ok sent our $$ in. angie is going to view the class thanks sherrye
the learn as we go silk purse farm
farmgirl #1014
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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Bear5
True Blue Farmgirl
13055 Posts
Louisiana/Texas
USA
13055 Posts |
Posted - Apr 30 2010 : 9:00:47 PM
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Zan: You mentioned to me, page 4, about keeping bees. I am afraid. I admitted it. I'm not ashamed. LOL. I do love all animals. I always send love to the bees and they never bother me. I will not ever kill a bee, and if anyone is around me I will not let them swat at them. I am a very high strung person, if you know what I mean. I do believe if I work around the bee hives they would get dizzy from me. I move too much. Every time I see bee keepers working on their hives, they are always so docile, so slow in their movements. I know I could not do that. LOL. Go ahead and laugh.
Enjoy the bees.
Marly
"It's only when we truly know and understand that we have a limited time on earth- and that we have no way of knowing when our time is up- that we will begin to live each day to the fullest, as if it was the only one we had." Elisabeth Kurler-Ross |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - May 01 2010 : 9:13:31 PM
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Marly---aww, I wouldn't laugh about that. Yes, it's probably hard, you do have to keep your movements slower when working with bees. But I'm glad to know you are like me--you love animals, even the lowly insects 
~*~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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meddings
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Melissa
Ada
OH
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2010 : 3:36:19 PM
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I've been keeping bees for four years now. I got started with a "kit" from beecommerce.com. Can be a bit pricey, but the customer service is excellent! I also use Brushy Mountain Bee Farm (brushymountainbeefarm.com). I highly recommend getting an 8-frame hive vs. the standard 10-frame. 10-frame hive bodies become heavy and cumbersome to move when filled with bees, brood, comb, and honey. If you find you need to search for a queen and have to take the hive apart - an 8-frame hive is the way to go. Speaking of bees, I can't speak highly enough of package bees and queens from Bee Weaver (beeweaver.com)! The Weavers are fourth (?) generation beekeepers and they've bred strong, yet gentle bees that are excellent honey producers and are resistant to varroa mites (a beekeepers nightmare). Living in Ohio, it's impossible to get "locally raised" bees. In the past I've used apiaries from Georgia but my tried and true hives have been from Bee Weaver. I hope this helps! I just did a spring check-up on my "girls" and they've survived the winter and are doing great!
I love hearing everyone's bee stories! Keep 'em coming! |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2010 : 4:20:55 PM
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checked my bees this morning. Saw eggs, larve and capped brood. Last time I had put another hive box on, so this time I switched some frames. Putting 2 frames upstairs, and 2 emptys in the bottom. Hoping to get the gals going on hive box #2. Took off 4 little pieces of burr comb. I can sure notice the difference on the full frames as far as weight.
Michele |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - May 02 2010 : 6:02:16 PM
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Hey Melissa, I'm curious: what exactly are those bees doing that they are varroa mite resistant? I find that most beeyards that make that claim are exaggerating and very few bees are, in fact, resistant to them.
~*~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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meddings
Farmgirl at Heart
3 Posts
Melissa
Ada
OH
USA
3 Posts |
Posted - May 04 2010 : 06:01:39 AM
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Farmtopia:
I haven't a clue how the bees do it. I agree with you - no bees are varroa-proof. However, the bee weaver bees have not been overrun with varroa the way my other hives with bees from different apiaries have. I'm opposed to treating my bees with any chemicals so I've been pleased with the weaver bees. My line of defense has been the use of bright green drone frames in all of my hives to monitor infestation. The web site for the weavers is fairly informative. They've always answered my emails when I had questions, so I'm sure they'd field a question or two regarding "varroa resistance" in their bees. |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - May 05 2010 : 2:55:15 PM
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Has anyone ever done a powdered sugar dusting for varroa mites? You need to do it once a week for 8 weeks in the spring and summer and clean your bottom board weekly. Also make sure your bottom board is at least 3 or more inches from the bottom of the first hive box as those little buggers can jump like fleas. The idea behind sugar dusting is that you sprinkle powdered sugar over the top of each open hive box (with frames in) using a sieve and the bees groom one another to eat the sugar, in the meantime knocking the varroa to the bottom board of the hive. Try to use organic powdered sugar without cornstarch added (very hard to find). It's a natural form of IPM if you don't want to use chemicals or harsh methods. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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MotherLodeBeth
True Blue Farmgirl
110 Posts
Beth
Calaveras County
California
USA
110 Posts |
Posted - May 07 2010 : 4:52:09 PM
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Speaking of supplies. See if your county has a beekeepers group, because older beekeepers love giving or selling at a decent price their beekeeping items and hives to someone who REALLY will be serious about beekeeping. And with the loss of hives here in the states, I am finding older beekeepers with tears in their eyes, when meeting someone younger who wants them to mentor them.
~Beth~
~I am the best of France and California~ |
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textilelover
True Blue Farmgirl
557 Posts
Dianne
Middletown
NY
USA
557 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 08:27:58 AM
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Margaret of Honey Bees, You should join this thread for great beekeeping information. Dianne
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication." --Leondardo da Vinci |
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MargaretW
True Blue Farmgirl
99 Posts
Margaret
Dittmer
Missouri
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 09:27:19 AM
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Thank you Dianne, I will read everything, I am so excited about my bees! I use a 9 frame hive. My husband and I took a new hive up today, they where a little upset, but to my surprise they didnt bother me at all. In fact I enjoyed it, it seemed very calming. Well once I read "it" all I will get back to questions and maybe a comment or too! Happy Honey, to all my bee friends!!
Margaret
Proud to be an American! There is nothing better on earth than our freedom! |
Edited by - MargaretW on May 13 2010 11:22:41 AM |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 09:37:57 AM
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Margaret this is my first year as well. I hope to get out and take another look at mine this weekend. WE have had cold and rainy most of the week now. They really amaze me on how much they have done so far. I have not used smoke on mine yet. I do wear a bee jacket and hood, but no gloves. Have yet to be stung yet, though I know my day is coming.
I am not scared at all either when I go out to check the hive. I am not sure why, like you say it seems very calming.
Bee Happy
Michele |
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MargaretW
True Blue Farmgirl
99 Posts
Margaret
Dittmer
Missouri
USA
99 Posts |
Posted - May 13 2010 : 11:29:13 AM
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Michele - I wear a jacket with hood and gloves, and jeans ofcourse. Have you read any good books on bees? I want to be like a sponge and soak up all the knowledge I can. We too have been rainy, and very very humid (but that is Missouri for ya!). Our hives are in the top field, about a quater mile from the house, about 50 feet into the woods, they seem happy. There is an old cattle pond near the hives for thier water. I understand they really like standing water, not fresh, go figure. I almost forgot, we have used smoke and as long as you dont over do it they seemed ok with it.
Happy Honey
Margaret
Proud to be an American! There is nothing better on earth than our freedom! |
Edited by - MargaretW on May 13 2010 11:32:17 AM |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - May 25 2010 : 8:48:12 PM
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Well, I finally got my bees moved to my property this morning! It was still almost dark at 5:30 AM so they were very mellow. According to my bee mentor they have almost filled out their brood box so my next task is to to get another one ready to add to the hive. Think I'll go ahead and order my honey supers too so I have everything ready when that time comes.
I am keeping my bees at our 5 acre farm/shop that is located about 4.5 miles from my house. The hive is out in the middle of an open pasture area at the edge of a small grove of trees. I planted a bee garden under the trees for my Secret Life of Bees badge. We have an irrigation pond and two creeks running through the property. There is alot of open space with tons of wild blackberries surrounding us, so I'm thinking these bees will be very happy here!
I know for a fact that bees prefer standing water over fresh. I work for a client whose neighbor has bees. My client has several bird baths that tend to get neglected. The yuckier they are, the more eager the bees are to drink there! Just across the lawn is a water feature that is filtered and cleaned regularly, and I have rarely if ever seen a bee drink from that pond.
For now I think I will stick to my full-body bee suit and gloves. My mentor doesn't wear a veil or gloves, but he also gets stung alot. I am not allergic to bee stings but I do have a history of allergic reaction to an as yet unknown trigger so my doctor suggested it would be a good idea to use maximum protection just in case.
Hope all of you other girls are having good luck with your bees, too!
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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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - May 30 2010 : 04:20:42 AM
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Good luck with the bees marilyn. I will be checking mine this morning. A neighbor wants to come over and watch. I had to put another box on last weekend. They sure can build up comb fast. Took out their feeder now too. Margret, I have the bee keeping for dummies, and have read a few books from the library. I had done alot of reading, but got to the point I quit. It was starting to be so confusing. Everyone has their own opinion. My online mentor said beekeeping is not rocket science!
Michele |
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kristin sherrill
True Blue Farmgirl
11303 Posts
kristin
chickamauga
ga
USA
11303 Posts |
Posted - May 31 2010 : 5:02:45 PM
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I had posted ahile back about an old oak tree that was blown down by some strong winds at the end of my road. I had noticed a little work done on it the past few weeks. Then today on the way to town I saw a bee hive box sitting right next to it. And bees buzzing like crazy all over the place. I guess they ran across a bog hive of honey bees and had to call someone with hives to come get them. It was really neat to watch. Well, on the way back I asked my hubby to slow down so I could see and he pulls over right beside the tree and rolls down the window! Good grief, bees all over and almost in the car! But anyway, it was fun to see them all at work. I hope whoever put the hive there gets all the bees soon. I guess that's what they were trying to do.
One day we are going to get a hive to put out back. We have lots of bees here. So might as well get some of the honey.
Kris
Happiness is simple. |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - May 31 2010 : 7:28:32 PM
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I went to check on my bees this morning and noticed there weren't any coming or going. I decided I'd better check to see what was going on inside. It's a good thing I did because their entrance hole was totally blocked by a bunch (maybe 100) of wet, dead bees on the inside! It has been raining hard and steady for the past three days. Water was getting in thru a crack in the top cover and running across the bottom board to the front entrance because I have he hive set with a slight slope forward for drainage. Looked like the water had backed up behind the dead ones and just sealed off the entry. So, I cleaned off the bottom board and added another brood box. Also replaced the migratory top with a telescoping cover which should eliminate the water leak. I got so focused on cleaning the bottom board and getting my new boxes on that I really didn't study my frames too carefully today. But a quick inspection didn't raise any red flags so I will look closer next time. Needless to say, the bees were very happy to see me today. I used sugar syrup instead of smoke today and it worked well. Lucky for them the sun came out for awhile this afternoon, so they were buzzing about in a joyful frenzy when I left. Beekeeping in the Pacific Northwest - what an adventure!
I kind of quit reading books too because I was getting overloaded with information. After getting in my hive for the first time on my own today, I went back and reread a couple sections of my book. Now many of the descriptions make more sense so I think with more experience the information will become more and more useful. But, like the beekeepers say this isn't rocket science so all you can do is learn from experience.
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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wildatheartfarmgirl
Farmgirl in Training
13 Posts
P.J.
Garden Farms
CA
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - Jun 01 2010 : 7:39:23 PM
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I am so excited to learn about you all in May's Cluck! I had no idea this was going on and am thrilled...I order supplies for my two Langstrom hives from Dadant and Mann. I do have an experiment going on...my hubby built me a horizontal top bar hive which had sat in my garden about two weeks before a swarm landed 1/2 mile down the road...I got lucky and now they have a home in my top bar hive and have been thriving since March...I was wondering if anyone else out there has one? Just harvesting some honey...now that was interesting in a top bar hive...actually...it was almost a disaster but funny!
P.J. Robertson Farmgirl #886
http://wildatheartfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
wildcreekcabin@aol.com |
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wildatheartfarmgirl
Farmgirl in Training
13 Posts
P.J.
Garden Farms
CA
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2010 : 6:13:55 PM
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Marilyn...just read your entry....good grief on the bee hive flood...everytime we turn around we learn something new huh...glad your little bees made it ok. I remember feeling just like you..."book info overload" and of course everyone has their own way of doing things.......it does seem that gettin' in the hive makes the books make more sense...little by little we're all gonna get it!
P.J. Robertson Farmgirl #886
http://wildatheartfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
wildcreekcabin@aol.com |
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edlund33
True Blue Farmgirl
1515 Posts
Marilyn
Renton
WA
USA
1515 Posts |
Posted - Jun 02 2010 : 8:04:15 PM
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Welcome P.J. I'm glad you found us! You are right - a flooded bee hive was definitely not the first kind of problem I was expecting to encounter! It rained hard last night and all day today so I checked on my hive again tonight. With the new cover they are all cozy, dry and happy now. Thank goodness! They had carried off every last drop of the syrup I left them so I filled up the container again.
What type of feeders do you ladies use? I think I'm leaning towards a bucket feeder or a top feeder but wonder what those of you who have experience prefer. I'm thinking an internal feeder will be best for me as we do have alot of yellow jackets during the summertime on the property where my bees are. And the ants have also discovered the new candy shop on their block so they are constantly on the march, too.
And one more question - does anyone use sugar syrup spray instead of smoke to work their bees on a regular basis? I have asthma so I'm just wondering if this would be a good long-term method. I've also read that some people add essential oils to their sugar syrup. I'm not certain what benefit that has but maybe something to do with calming the bees or disrupting their pheromone sensing?
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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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Jun 03 2010 : 5:12:35 PM
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Marilyn, I suggest if you get a top feeder, make sure its the wood kind. Plastic warps and doesnt sit even at times on the top of the hives. Even then, we've advised people on them; sometimes the bees end up drowning in the sugar water. I like the top feeders myself, but I've used the good ole mason jar outside feeders as well, with little problems with robbing. Of course, I live in the city, so perhaps not as much insect competition as open pasturelands, so not sure what to advise you there.
~*~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:
JUNE 6th 6pm EST "Coop" author Mike Perry!
http://therenegadefarmer.com/ |
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wildatheartfarmgirl
Farmgirl in Training
13 Posts
P.J.
Garden Farms
CA
USA
13 Posts |
Posted - Jun 10 2010 : 09:14:54 AM
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Good grief...hope the rain stops for you...I use a frame feeder...the one that fits down into the hive like a frame. The top bucket feeder types are suppose to be good and you don't disturb the hive when you feed. However, I learned that it is important to check on your hive so you know what's going on in there. It does use up room for a frame. With the wasps around (I have them too) I wouldn't use the boardman feeder (mason jar upside down in front of hive although I have used it in past times). As far as bees drowning, I simply pull up some weeds from around the hive yard and lay them on top of the sugar water in the frame feeder to give the bees something to land on so they don't drown) Sticks, whatever is around.
I barely smoke my bees as they are very gentle...just to let them know I am opening up the hive and see what kind of mood they are in. Plain old water used sparingly in a plant spray bottle works fine. Some add a little cider vinegar and essential oils. I have used sugar water in a spray bottle when I hived several swarms to keep their minds off of me while I dumped them into their new homes. Never used it while working the hives though.
Yes I have heard of adding essential oils to their feed. There is this wonderful supplement called Honey B Healthy that has lemongrass and speriment(?)in it and I supplement their feed spring and fall with it. Suppose to be very good for them. Hope this helps and hope it stops raining soon.
P.J. Robertson Farmgirl #886
http://wildatheartfarmgirl.blogspot.com/
wildcreekcabin@aol.com |
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windypines
True Blue Farmgirl
4538 Posts
Michele
Bruce
Wisconsin
USA
4538 Posts |
Posted - Jun 13 2010 : 04:41:44 AM
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My hive has turned to being more protective now. I am going to have to get the smoker out and learn how to use it. It has been raining alot here now, so have not checked the hive for about a week. I just look at the hive everyday, and the girls are busy. I used a boardman feeder. It worked well, and I didn't see any robbing problems. I have all medium hive boxes, so have not found a frame feeder for them.
Michele |
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Barnyard Buddies: All things Bees |
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All things Bees
