Thursday, January 27, 2011

Winter Dreams

Came across this tonight.  Taken last Summer by my son in the bee yard.  It gave me a big smile.  So I thought I'd leave it here for everyone else who's waiting for Spring to arrive.


Sky Rocket & bee

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Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Merging the Clusters

Was fortunate enough to have the odd warm day today at 56°F.  The bees were flying and the Sun was shining.  So at lunch i went out to the hives to remove the extra middle deep box on Mary.  Since the hive would be open only briefly the smoker was not used; though i still used the veil, jacket & gloves.

The top cluster was still in the same position in the top box.  Unfortunately the bottom cluster had moved up a little in to the once uninhabited middle box.  Which means all the boxes are being used.  However there's still 2 separate clusters.  I needed them to join.

The bottom cluster was much bigger than the top cluster.  I decided to shake the top cluster into the middle box.  So i had to pull frames to do it.  It was still in the high 50°'s so i did it quickly and closed her up.  Afterward the flying activity out of Mary increased but better matched that of Myrina.  Now both hives are double deeps again.

At this time I replaced the old (original) T-cover on Myrina with a new one; formally Duchess's T-cover.  Other than several frames in Myrina's  top box all the original equipment is gone.

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Wednesday, January 19, 2011

Apistan Out & a Strange Cluster in Mary

Finally, a Fly Day in the high 50's.  Opened up each box of the hives and removed the Apistan strips that had been place there in late November.  Lots of bees were buzzing out of Myrina but only a few from Mary.  I saw a nice cluster in the top deep of Mary.  Then No bees in the middle deep.  Then a bigger cluster in the Bottom deep.  What does that mean?  I mentioned it on the bee forum.  Michael Bush said he had seen before were a cluster can split on a warm day.  There may be a virgin queen mixed in with the real queen.  Won't know 'till later in Spring when i can do an inspection.

Mary Top Deep

Mary Middle Deep











Mary Bottom Deep

















Also i noticed no real condensation to worry about.  A smal drip here or a little dollop there.  Just enough to give the bees a water source inside the hive when it's to cold to fly.

Bees Drinking Condensation Water


I didn't see any pests but i didn't remove any frames either.  The uninsulated VB on Mary was replaced with a Insulated one and the nine hole uninsulated VB on Myrina was replaced with a three hole version.  Both VB's only have a single hole remaining open with tape over the other holes.  I had one pollen patty laying around so i cut it in half and put it in each hive.  It went directly on top of the frames.  Off-center from the middle towards the back.  Otherwise the hole in the Inner cover would have been blocked.

Myrina looked good with bees clustered in both boxes together.  All the deeps on Mary & Myrina are still heavy with honey and whatever pollen they collected last Fall.

Myrina Top Deep

Myrina Bottom Deep

After the quick opening and closing Mary's bees came out in force.

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Saturday, January 1, 2011

MYRINA'S CHRONICLE

September 25, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DHB1(bt), DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

September 15, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DHB1(bt), DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

September 4, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DHB1(bt), DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

August 28, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DHB1(bt), DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

August 24, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
DBH1 = 10 frame, 3 PC & 7 CW
                              2 brood frames
DBH2 = 10 frame, 5 PC & 5 CW
                              3 brood frames
Queen Spotted = yes; marked white; frame #2 DHB2
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = spotty but OK
Queen Cells = no
Drone Cells = no
Honey Bound = no
Honey Stores = light
Pollen =  yes
Population = fair
Condensation = no
Pests = SHB (3) in DHB1
  • Bees getting into HTF
  • Added Beetle Trap (bt) to DHB1

August 21, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DBH1, DBH2, IS, IC, TC
  • Remove Imirie Shim (IS)
  • Remove Inner Cover (IC)
  • Add Hive Top Feeder (HTF)
  • Add Vent Box (VB)
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

July 9, 2011
 SBB, SR, DBH1, DBH2, QE, MHS1, IS, MHS2, IC, TC
  • Remove all Honey Supers
  • Remove Queen Excluder
  • Extract Honey
  • Add Entrance Reducer (r)

June 1, 2011
(post link)
SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, QE, MHS1   , IC, TC
  • Add 10 frame Medium honey super (MHS2), foundationless undrawn
  • Add Imirie Shim between Honey Supers (IS)

May 29, 2011
SBB, SR, DHB1, MHS1, DHB2,   IC, TC
  • MHS1 mostly drawn out
  • Return MHS1 to top of hive
  • Add Queen Excluder (QE)

May 20, 2011
SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
  • Place MHS1 in between DHB1 & DHB2
  • Remove Imirie Shim (IS)

May 11, 2011
(post link)
SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
DHB1 = 10 frame, 3 PC & 7 CW
                              5 brood frames
DHB2 = 10 frame, 5 PC & 5 CW
                              6 brood frames
MHS1 = 10 frame, 7 foundationless, 3 CW
Queen Spotted = yes, new & unmarked
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = spotty
Queen Cells = 18 Swarm cells & 1 Supersedure cell
Drone Cells = yes
Honey Bound = almost
Population = good
Condensation = no
Pests = no
  •  *SWARMED*
  • Removed all swarm cells both hatched & sealed
  • Marked new Queen
  • Left single Supersedure cell
  • No laying in preparation of swarming
  • Honey comb remains undrawn

May 9, 2011
r-SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
  •  Remove Entrance Reducer

May 1, 2011
r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
  • Open bottom of SBB

April 27, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
  • Remove HTF
  • Add IC
  • Add Imirie Shim (IS)
  • Remove VB

April 20, 2011
r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
  • Honey frames remain undrawn
  • Remove 3 undrawn foundationless frames from MHS1
  • Add 3 undrawn CW frames
  • Spray frames w/ 1:1 syrup

April 19, 2011
r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV & Thyme oil

April 16, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB(c), SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
  • Remove IC
  • Add HTF
  • Add 1 gal. 1:1 syrup w/ ACV & Thyme oil

April 10, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
Queen Spotted = yes (new unmarked)
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = solid (completely)
Drone Cells = yes (many)
Population = high
Condensation = no
Pest = none
  • New unmarked Queen, frame #5 DHB2
  • Marked New Queen with White paint
  • Remove 4 frame of eggs from DHB2
  • Add 4 empty drawn frames to DHB2, from Duchess CW
  • Created Nuc #2

April 3, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB(c), DHB1, DHB2, IC, VB, TC
Pest = mold & mildew
  • Add Slatted Rack (SR)
  • Add 1 Medium Honey Super (MHS1) - Undrawn Foundationless
  • Clean SBB Tray

March 12, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB(c), DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
DHB1 = 10 frames, CW
                                 Brood frames = 6/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                                 Brood frames = 0/10
Queen Spotted = didn't look
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = solid
Drone Cells = yes
Population = moderate
Condensation = no
Pest = mold & mildew
  • Remove Luan SBB Tray
  • Add Corrugated Plastic SBB Tray
  • Replace DHB2 w/ new DHB
  • Remove HTF
  • Add IC

March 5, 2011
(post link) (post link)
r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, HTF, VB, VB, TC
Condensation = no
Pest = mold & mildew
  • Reversed Brood Boxes
  • Remove 3-hole VB
  • Weeping Pine Knots on DHB2

February 27, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, HTF, VB, TC
Condensation = yes
Pest = mold & mildew
  • Condensation Continues on TC
  • Add 9-hole VB

February 23, 2011
(post link)
r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, HTF, VB, TC
Condensation = yes
  • Dripping Condensation on TC

February 18, 11
(post link)
r-SBB(c), DHB2, DHB1, IC, VB, T-cover
DHB1 = 10 frames, CW foundation (4old/6new)
Brood Frames = 3/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, PC foundation 
Brood Frames = 0/10
Queen Spotted = no
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = solid
Drone Cells = no
Population = moderate
Condensation = minor
Current Pests = mildew in DHB2 & SBB
  • Pollen & Nectar begin 2/17/11
  • Remove old Pollen patty
  • Remove IC
  • Add HTF
  • Add 1 gal. 1:1 tea/syrup (poplar, maple, basswood, thyme, ACV) 

January 25, 2011
r-SBB(c), DBH2, DBH1, IC, VB, TC
  • Replace old Top Cover with new Top Cover (TC)

January 19, 2011
r-SBB(c), DBH2, DBH1, IC, VB, TC
  • Remove Apistan Strips
  • Remove 9 hole VB
  • Add 3 hole VB - 1 hole open
  • Add 1/2 pollen patty on top box

*____________________________☼___________________________*
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MARY'S CHRONICLE 2011

September 25, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

September 15, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

September 4, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

August 28, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

August 21, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, IS, IC, TC
  • Remove Imirie Shim (IS)
  • Remove Inner Cover (IC)
  • Add Hive Top Feeder (HTF)
  • Add Vent Box (VB)
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV, Thyme & Peppermint oils

July 9, 2011
 BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, QE, MHS1, IS, MHS2, IC, TC
  • Remove all Honey Supers
  • Remove Queen Excluder
  • EXTRACT HONEY
  • Add Entrance Reducer (r)

June 1, 2011
BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), QE, MHS1, IS, IC, TC
  • Add Medium Honey Super (MHS2) - undrawn foundationless
  • Remove beetle traps (bt)

May 20, 2011
BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), MHS1, IC, TC
  • Eggs on 3 frames in MHS1
  • Remove and chill egg frames
  • Add modified Queen Excluder (QE)
  • Return chilled frames
  • Add Imirie Shim (IS)

May 16, 2011
BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), MHS1, IC, TC
DHB1 = 10 frame, 8 PC & 2 CW
                              4 brood frames
DHB2 = 10 frame, 8 PC, 1 CW & 1 Foundationless
                              8 brood frames
MHS1 =10 frame, 7 Foundationless & 3 PC
Queen Spotted = yes, frame 7 - DHB2
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = spotty
Drone Cells = yes
Population = good
Condensation = no
Pests = Chalkbrood
  • Pile of Chalkbrood outside entrance
  • Removed comb, frame 7 of DHB2 solid drone
  • Remove Swarm cups

May 9, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2(bt), MHS1, IC, TC
  • Remove Entrance Reducer

April 27, 2011
(post link)
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2 , MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
Pests = odd dark debris in cells
  • Remove HTF
  • Add IC
  • Add 1 SHB Beetle Trap (bt) to DHB2 w/mineral oil
  • Cut out  all comb on 1 frame DHB2 (drone)
  • Remove VB

April 20, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
  • Frames remain undrawn
  • Remove 3 undrawn foundationless frames from MHS1
  • Add 3 partially drawn PC frames
  • Spray frames w/ 1:1 syrup

April, 19, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, HTF, VB, TC
  • Add 1 gal. 1:1 syrup w/ACV & Thyme oil

April 16, 2011
r-BB, SR, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
  • Remove IC
  • Add HTF
  • Add 1 gal 1:1 syrup w/ACV & Thyme oil

April 3, 2011
(post link)
r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
  • Add Slatted Rack (SR)

March 22, 2011
r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, MHS1, IC, VB, TC
DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                               Brood frames = 6/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                               Brood frames = 4/10
MHS1 = 10 frames, Foundationless
                               Drawn out = 0/10 
Queen Spotted = yes DHB1/f3
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = solid
Drone Cells = yes
Population = good
Condensation = no
Pest = Chalkbrood
  • Create Nuc#1
  • Remove 2 egg frames from DHB1
  • Add 2 undrawn foundationless frame to DHB1
  • Remove 1 egg frame from DHB2
  • Add 1 undrawn foundationless frame to DHB2
  • Removed all bees clinging to quiet box (approx 1 frame)

March 12, 2011
r-BB, DHB1, DHB2,  HTF, VB, TC
DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                               Brood frames = 5/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell
                               Brood frames = 3/10
Queen Spotted = didn't Look
Brood Present = yes
Brood Pattern = solid
Drone Cells = yes
Population = good
Condensation = none
Pests = Chalkbrood
  • Replace 1 frame in DBH2 w/ undrawn foundationless
  • Add 1 Medium Honey Super (MHS1) - undrawn foundationless
  • Remove HTF
  • Add IC

February 18, 11
(post link)
r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, IC, i-VB, T-cover
DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
Brood Frames = 3/10
Queen Spotted = yes
Brood Present= yes
Brood Pattern = solid
Drone Cells = no
Population = good
Condensation = minor
Current Pest = none
  • Pollen & Nectar begin 2/17/11
  • Queen on frame #3 in DHB2
  • Remove old Pollen patty
  • Remove IC
  • Remove insulation from VB
  • Add HTF
  • Add 1 gal. 1:1 tea/syrup (poplar, maple, basswood, thyme, ACV)

JANUARY 25, 11
(post link)
r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, DBH3, IC, i-VB , T-cover
DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
DHB3 = 10 frames, Crimped-Wire foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
Population = critical, low, moderate, good, (high)
Condensation = none, (minor), major
  • Remove DHB3 
  • Frames in freezer

January 19, 11
(post link)
r-BB, DHB1, DHB2, DBH3, IC, VB, T-cover
DHB1 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
DHB2 = 10 frames, Plasticell foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
DHB3 = 10 frames, Crimped-Wire foundation
Brood Frames = 0/10
Population = critical, low, moderate, good, (high)
Condensation = none, (minor), major
  • Remove Apistan Strips
  • Add Insulated VB - 1 of 3 holes open (i-VB)
  • Add 1/2 a Pollen Patty on top of frames in top box

*_________________________☼__________________________*
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