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Barnyard Buddies:  Beekeeping process  |
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SheilaC
True Blue Farmgirl
1948 Posts
Sheila
Vermont
USA
1948 Posts |
 Posted - Aug 03 2009 : 10:14:18 AM
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We are in our second year of beekeeping. Maybe we started out wrong, because we used that black plastic foundation frame stuff--the first year they drew out comb very slowly, filled it in and then froze to death over the winter. This year, we got another 2 lb of bees to start over again. They are doing great, proliferating like crazy, and drawing out more comb. . .2 deep supers are full. . .but no honey for us, which is okay, as long as they will sustain themselves. . .
We are wondering if these guys (girls, rather!) will probably die this winter too--if so, the 3rd year will probably be a great year, since the comb will be drawn out already.
Just seems like a long process, but fun to watch.
What do you all use for foundation? My husb. used the black ones rather than the ones of wax with the wires because the beekeeping expert (and inspector) told him to. . . |
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Peacebird
True Blue Farmgirl
89 Posts
Marianne
Afton
Va
USA
89 Posts |
Posted - Aug 03 2009 : 4:25:49 PM
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I use the wax foundation with crimp wire and my bees have drawn out all I put in this year. I'm up to 4 supers on my first hive and just split out a new colony (hopefully - fingers crossed they make it!) just today.
My teachers said the wax foundation was much easier for getting started. And it smells So delicious that I just love working with it!
I haven't yet tried to get my bees through the winter, and am dreading that part I fear... But meanwhile - aren't the bees simply amazing creatures?
Good luck with yours!!!
chickens clucking, bees buzzing, flowers blooming, all is good! |
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Farmtopia
True Blue Farmgirl
1465 Posts
Zan
New York
New York
USA
1465 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 05:17:15 AM
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Hey Sheila,
If the bees don't have at least 60lbs of honey to overwinter, they could die. There are many factors that determine longevity for bees over the winter, so you can't necessarily assume that because your bees last year didn't do well, that this year's bees don't.
I don't know if I'm a fan of the synthetic frames either. I remember someone saying they added to the cold element in the hive, but I'm not sure if it myself. It definitely makes it easier to use over and over.
How did you overwinter your hive?
If you provide adequate warmth, ventilation, and make sure your colony is strong going into the winter months, then you are ahead of the game. Since you say that you already have 2 deeps full, sounds like you are on the right track.
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Edited by - Farmtopia on Aug 05 2009 05:21:32 AM |
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Woodswoman
True Blue Farmgirl
512 Posts
Jennifer
Altamont
NY
USA
512 Posts |
Posted - Aug 05 2009 : 6:15:22 PM
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Hello-
What types of boxes are those? Wooden or the styrofoam beemax hives?
We have both types-the wooden one we will wrap in the winter to add extra insulation, but the beemax hives don't seem to need it. But, I've heard that leaving on enough honey and providing ventilation are the bigger issues. If you get condensation inside that drips on the bees, that will cause them to freeze. We had a small opening in the top front to allow moisture to escape.
We also try to make sure each hive has at least 2 deeps of honey to make it through winter-on some hives we also left an extra medium.
Jennifer
Farmgirl Sister #104
"Nature brings to every time and season some beauties of its own".
-Charles Dickens |
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Barnyard Buddies: Beekeeping process |
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Beekeeping process
