It's official, I've got my bees! My package arrived this morning from Rossman. They are in great condition, with only about 15 dead bees at the bottom of the box. It is raining on and off today, but it should dry up some this afternoon. I plan on hiving them this afternoon. It's supposed to rain tomorrow through Friday night though, so I'm hoping they'll be ok...what do you think? Also, is 1:1 sugar syrup best for feeding them at this time, or should I use a different ratio? I'm so excited! I'm going to get the whole thing on tape, if I can.
Hey good news, I know what that is all about. I lost mine last fall and my new one just come a week ago.
Two of my easiest installs were right after a light drizzle and before more drizzles. It's no fun being out installing bees when it's that type of weather, but it sure was easier than on a hot summer afternoon with beautiful weather making the bees want to fly all around! My first two installs (during the drizzly weather) had about 10 bees or so flying around during install. Subsequent installs during nice days had hundreds of bees flying around, a bit more intimidating for a new beek (which I am).
Anyway, just watch the wind. You don't want to do it in a lot of wind. About the syrup, I don't know, sorry. Others will chime in I am sure. This is a great place to ask and learn.
Jeremy
I fed 1:1 with my packages and that seemed to be what they liked. One of the three packages far outdid the other two, but all seem to be doing fine. Started feeding a cut-out 1:1 yesterday, they also seem to like it.
Thanks for the help. The install went beautifully, no problems at all, despite a light drizzle. They took right to the hive. I also noticed the feeder can in the package was bone dry, and the bees had started to draw some comb right in the package. I did not get stung :) though I burned my hand on the smoker I had standing by (but didn't really have to use).
Congradulations! You're a beekeeper! Feels pretty good, eh? I knew this year after installing my first package, I was one happy guy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have been.
Jeremy
Quote from: jeremy_c on May 27, 2009, 05:52:49 AM
Congradulations! You're a beekeeper! Feels pretty good, eh? I knew this year after installing my first package, I was one happy guy. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have been.
Jeremy
Thank you. It feels great! There's a sense of calm that comes over you as you're working with them...I don't know how else to describe it, but it's wonderous! I'm hooked! :mrgreen: