The Honey Factory

[Apis mellifera]

I'm guessing the holes are extra "doorways" for the bees. So I'm assuming they should go in front...?

Yes, all my hives have one 3/4" hole in the upper brood box "below" the handhold. I leave them open all year, winter bees will use the hole for cleansing flights. The holes in your hive bodies are in the handhold so be careful when lifting the boxes, you dont want to crush bees on your glove when lifting. Just give them a puff of smoke before grabbing the handhold.

 

[R2elk]

I'm guessing the holes are extra "doorways" for the bees. So I'm assuming they should go in front...?

They aren't just "doorways" but are also an aid in the ventilation. Back when I was a kid it was really common to have those holes. Nowadays there are other methods used and the holes aren't as prevalent.

I put piece of one by on the top of the inner cover at the front to provide ventilation through the hive and another entrance/exit.

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Yes, my Russians from Kentucky came on time last week. My Italians from California that were supposed to come last week didn't come until this week.

A woman I know has bees coming from Minnesota that were supposed to ship on May 8 but have been pushed back one week.

Have you had Russians before? I can't remember.

 

[R2elk]

Have you had Russians before? I can't remember.

Yes. I don't know if I have mentioned them previously.

 

[jerryse]

Waiting for swarm cells to do a split. I have a dead out to fill.

 

[Sally PB]

I set it up so that the front of the hive is lower than the back.

Right, I'd heard the front should be slightly lower. I think it's 1/4 bubble lower in front.

 

[jerryse]

Checked the hives and found a capped queen cell. I made a split with it.

 

[R2elk]

His 2 hives made it through the winter and he plans to split them.

So Ralphie finally gets hives through the winter and then this.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/threads/⭐-kikis-year-long-🌶️.1436778/post-26811513

 

[Sally PB]

So Ralphie finally gets hives through the winter and then this.

I hesitate to ask... is there anything left...?

 

[R2elk]

I hesitate to ask... is there anything left...?

Muddy didn't post the pics so I don't know.