Our Splits
Well, it's been a real learning experience with the queens we reared. You must check them frequently to be sure your new queen is laying.One of our hives was not at all. We watched the population dwindle for a week and then finally - I did the unthinkable - I crushed the queen that wasn't laying. Don't worry ... I called our bee mentor and bought a well bred queen who is now doing a fantastic job. Here's some photos:
Then couple weeks ago, Christian and I became very concerned about the other split. First, we found a frame with wax moth larvae - a sign they can't take care of thier hive. Then a week later, they had moved to just using 3 frames.
So we thought about our next move:
- Put it down to a nucleus box with just 5 frames?
- Or combine the splits?
We decided to combine. Here's why... It didn't appear that this queen was really working at all.
So now the splits have been combined. This experiment will be continued soon!
Main Hives
One of our main Hives had a perplexing discovery! I found two queens ... On the same frame! Yes, it can happen! So because they were coexisting, we left nature to itself. I did Mark her, though!
Pests
Fall time brings wasps, yellow jackets and bumblebees! Your normally docile hive may increase in being nasty! Also, watch out for these to sting you when you smell of honey! Ouch! They sting more than once, too!
