The Honey Factory

[Sally PB]

So,, @Sally PB do I want to deal with Bees?

Keeping honeybees is kind of like having chickens, in a way. There can be significant cost up front, and you might not get anything (honey) for awhile.

However, I can pet my chickens. I don't pet my bees.

 

[Apis mellifera]

I'm hoping to find capped Queen Cell.

They swarmed on you already?

 

[5Australorpasaures]

They swarmed on you already?

No, but looking at the numbers and with the weather starting to warm I want to be ahead of them. Swarming here can start mid-April. Looking for capped queen or egg in a Queen cell for split

 

[Apis mellifera]

Unless they swarmed you won't find a capped queen cell then. Maybe charged queen cups.

 

[Apis mellifera]

However, I can pet my chickens. I don't pet my bees.

You can pet the drones!

 

[hnorth]

So,, @Sally PB do I want to deal with Bees?

Beekeeping has a steep learning curve and has big upfront equipment costs. It can be a big commitment. Still, its fun.

 

[5Australorpasaures]

Unless they swarmed you won't find a capped queen cell then. Maybe charged queen cups.

Probably end up just doing a walk away. Don't have to spend a lot of time disturbing them. Have plenty of honey for initial feeding and for them to make a Queen before the spring flow. Last chk a week ago there are frames with eggs and capped brood, just too chilly to make a split. No cells to indicate swarm activity. Seventy-seven predicted for Saturday, a good day to take care of business.

 

[Apis mellifera]

Queen before the spring flow.

I wouldn't be able to do that here unless i buy queens. Not enough drones would be flying.

 

[5Australorpasaures]

Got 4 coats of paint on deep box and top cover, bottom board, feeder board and inner cover were done over the winter, just have to assemble the 10 frames and foundation. Splitting soon. C'mon Spring!

 

[BirdsBeesTrees]

Apple blossoms popped open yesterday here! The plums, cherries, and pears had blossomed already. Happy busy bees!