It looks very promising that everyone is now in the new hive body...
I have the queen includer on, when can it come off?
I have on 4 frames in an 8 frame box, when may I safely add the rest. I am adding frames with starter strips.
How long do I need to feed?
Should I buy pollen patties as well?
I am going to attempt to take a frame of honey/pollen from my established colony today...and add that in...
Should I disturb the bees again, OR can I wait until Saturday.
Muchas Gracias!
Personally I would feed them light syrup now unless they have plenty. Dont worry about the queen excluder right now. Fill in the rest of the frames next time you feed the girls.
If you have flowers blooming in your area right now, the bees will most likely ignore the pollen patties, so dont waste your time if you have blooms.
I would feed them until all frames are drawn and filled.....
Thanks a heap BMAC!
Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 06, 2008, 01:16:32 PM
It looks very promising that everyone is now in the new hive body...
I have the queen includer on, when can it come off?
As said previously, I haven't used one before. BUT, on the chance that you have a virgin queen you wouldn't want to keep it on more than two or perhaps three days tops - if you cut into her mating window she's gonna be a dud. I'd suggest as soon as you see any comb being drawn - if they're starting to build they're settling to stay.
Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 06, 2008, 01:16:32 PM
I have on 4 frames in an 8 frame box, when may I safely add the rest. I am adding frames with starter strips.
Immediately. Sorry, you've probably taken that from me and I should have been clearer. I put only half the frames in the box when I'm sweeping bees in to make it easier for them to fall down between the frames. As soon as they are swept in I ease in the rest of the frames.
If they're fixing to stay they're gonna start building straight away, so you need to get those frames in or you're gonna have a burred up mess.
Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 06, 2008, 01:16:32 PM
How long do I need to feed?
Should I buy pollen patties as well?
I'll leave that to someone who knows your location/seasons better. I've fed my swarms until they're expanding well into the second box. That's been a matter of a couple of weeks or a month in some cases.
Quote from: DayValleyDahlias on March 06, 2008, 01:16:32 PM
Should I disturb the bees again, OR can I wait until Saturday.
These girls have had a fair bit of disruption. Ordinarily I'd leave em alone for a good 48 hours. As it stands though, you've got to get those extra frames in pronto, so take the opportunity to give them a frame of honey and then butt out for a couple of days.
Okay I went and put in the remaining frames with the starter strips..I won't bother them until either late eve Fri or Saturday to left the hove off the excluder and place it on another SBB, up off the ground...
They now have food, frames, and a home... 8-)
Congratulations,
Glad you finally got them settled in . Wasn't that a blast!! :lol:
Buzzbee, It certainly was/is an experience!~ Only a few more steps to take before I will feel comfortable that all is well with this new/old group of bees!
It was the red shoes wasn't it :-D
What a happy ending for you Sharon. I am very happy and relieved. Should be a blast watching them build up.
Take care
Annette
YAYS! I was on the edge of my sofa checking in every chance I got!! whew! You Go Girl!! Good Job!
>I have the queen includer on, when can it come off?
In case it's a virgin queen I'd be sure to take it off within a week.
Sharon, yea!!! You have this new colony, it was hard work, but you did it!!! Pat yourself on the back, you deserve that thing. What an intruiguing little story you have told us all, it was like a soap box show, tune in tormororw for part 6......wonderful, I loved every minute of it and you are a great narrator, have a beautiful and wonderful day, love your life you live. Cindi