This will be the first time I start a hive with a package. When I got my first 2 hives they were already established (unknown how many years old) and filled with wax, brood, pollen, & nectar (and nosema, varroa, & waxmoth in Mary). So I've never seen a colony start from the beginning. The best part is all the new wooden ware. With Mary & Myrina I had to start replacing parts piece-meal from day One. Neither of them has ever had all new parts.
Things I must do first:
- Build & paint all wooden ware
- Select hive location & build stand
- Add Chronolog to Blog
- Read up on installing packages
- Pray it won't be raining when they show up.
2 comments:
You're going to love starting from a package. Its fun to see them in the hive the first day with empty frames, and watch them week by week as they build comb and make a new home. I'm going to Dadant in Chatham this week to pick up a spare hive for swarms..just to have on hand in case I find one. If I don't, then I'm sure I'll use it next year!
Mark,
Yes I am looking forward to it. They say after the bees go in to leave them alone for a week or two. That will be difficult!
Mark Bennett was just at our club meeting last week. I ordered this years equipment from him and he brought it to the meeting. Good deal!
Extra boxes are a must. I'm thinking of putting a Swarm kit in my truck in case i need it some time.
Thanks
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