These bees are becoming a lot to keep up with! Remember how I thought I would have a total of four hives this year…that was the max I thought I could maybe manage…well as it turns out I’m currently sitting at six! Splits, swarms, and nucleus colony orders have put me at six. Now I’m not convinced all six are doing well. The hive we split this spring still hasn’t put any honey in the super…not a good sign. I’m going to have to turn to the experts to figure out what my next best move will be for that hive. I’m trying to be patient but I can’t figure out what’s going on in there. Frustrating.
I’m pretty sure it was that hive we split that we also caught the swarm from. But instead of putting the bees back in that box we put them in a new hive. (at the time I wasn’t sure they were my bees). So not only did we split that hive but I believe it swarmed meaning one hive became three. We’ll have to see if they grow into three strong hives.
In addition to those three, I ordered two new colonies to put me at five. And then there was the total unexpected…I had an empty hive sitting outside…it was a collapsed hive from last year and the frames were in bad shape. I didn’t want to store it with my other equipment because I feared what critters (wax moths, etc) might be in it. I thought I closed it all up and I just left it sit outside under an awning…would you believe bees moved in? They came in through a tiny upper entrance that I hadn’t closed off.Ā Great but kind of a mess. Not only are they now sitting on a table under an awning but they are really kinda buzzy. (I hesitate to say “mean” as I hope in time, as they get settled, they will be easier to manage. But my last attempt to peek in = buzz to the face, thank goodness the veil didn’t fail!Ā Ā
There’s all these rules on moving hives…more than several miles (3-6ish if I remember right) but not more than a few feet…so moving them across the yard about 100 yards isn’t ideal. By placing some grass or a branch in front of the entrance we hope to have them “re-orientate” but there’s still a chance they will return over under the awning where the hive was before – essentially lost forever. (again, IF my understanding is correct…I’m still learning!) Nonetheless, the hive must be moved. In the next few weeks, we’ll have to screen it up before dawn and try to walk it across the field to the new stand. Hopefully most of the bees will take note of the move and be able to find their way home successfully. I’m curious to see how it all plays out. Will hive #6 thrive or die???? I’ll keep you posted.
Six hives is almost more than I can keep straight. Each hive has its own characteristics and needs. I’m currently feeding three hives and that’s not only a lot to keep up with but a little costly with the price of sugar. It feels like they are going through $10 of sugar every five or so days! Hopefully they will have all the frames drawn out soon and I’ll be able to cease the feedings – they go through that syrup so quickly. And it’s a pain to mix and pour…spilling sugar in your kitchen isn’t a fun cleanup. I need an outside sink for feeding bees! š
I feel like I’m already behind a bit in that I don’t have any hives working to fill supers. But if I’m patient and things go well, I’m optimistic that June will be productive and we still stand a chance for a plentiful honey harvest.
On another front…our drone finally broke down and purchased his own bee suit! The little worker bee that had been my second set of hands all along outgrew his suit and sadly seems to be losing interest. Working bees isn’t for the faint of heart. He’s into his sports, doesn’t like to be hot, and seems to be getting nervous around buzzing bees. He has been stung twice and I’m trying to respect his wishes but I’m still not giving up on him completely. As a family we now have two bee suits that will fit any two of us at any given time. As a team, I hope we’ll be able to cooperate and provide the best care for the hives. If we are able to keep all six of these hives thriving…I’m going to need help!!
In support of honeybees, it isn’t too late to plant. I’ve seen bees working the lavender in my yard. I’m a sucker in the garden shop…if I see a honeybee on a plant, I usually buy it! Give it a try, you may find you enjoy bees as visitors to your yard, too.
Happy Summer!
-WorkerBee 2021
Howards' Hives and Honey 