Between long hrs this week and some rain today (that we really need) I can't get in to check or feed my bees. Got them in last Saturday (two hives) gallon baggie for feeding with empty supper for cover. Will they be alright till this coming Saturday? Maybe I can get off of work tomorrow and check but not sure. Check feeder after dark???
Thanks
Been there, done that - work, weather, or sick. Very frustrating. I have successfully sneaked in under the cloak of darkness and done a quick fix here and there. Bright lights can agitate them tho, so just be aware. And bee quiet. :)
I would think you should have pretty good nectar there in SC by now?? If yes, they won't be downing the baggie bites anyway.
Taking the top off a hive at night and shining a flashlight down in there is kinda like hearing a train coming at a crossing and wondering if its ok to step out on the tracks :shock:
Yeah, I know, Cbee. I don't advocate direct shining of light. But it CAN be done in an emergent situation that can be handled in a quick in and out. Like - have new bag ready - have someone lift the super while other person sets in new bag. Sort of a "smash n grab." :) As I said, I did it, didn't get stung, but it was a quickie. Caution is deserved.
I picked up a little headlamp that will burn either white *or* red LEDs. I use the red LED at night around the bees and they seem to pay it no attention. I've used them to move caught swarms, feed bees, etc., and have had no issues.
If nothing else, go out there with a raincoat and check the feed...then you'll know better what you need to do....you may even end up sleeping better after finding out that they still have plenty of food. ;)
I hived a nice sized swarm the other day. Two 8-frame mediums of bees. I gave them two old empty combs and one comb of fresh comb with probably 25% honey/nectar stored in it and the rest foundation. After I got them on their hive stand I placed two quart jars of 1:1 on them....in 24 hours they had used about 1" of syrup out of each jar....I figure maybe a 1/2 pint.
Try the red light, it works pretty good. :)
Best wishes,
Ed
(http://i111.photobucket.com/albums/n153/intheswamp00/Honey%20Bees/hb-_20120413_5088Small.jpg)
With a gallon of feed and a nector flow, I think they will be just fine until Saturday. Just my 2 cents! :)
Quote from: CBEE on April 18, 2012, 09:53:04 AM
Taking the top off a hive at night and shining a flashlight down in there is kinda like hearing a train coming at a crossing and wondering if its ok to step out on the tracks :shock:
Been there, done that.
I did't know we could bend the rules about doing anything after dark. I will not make a habit of it of course but I will look tonight and see how much they are taking.
I did see a few bees taken pollen in Tuesday so that should be a good sign.
Thanks for the help. More to this beek than it looks like from the outside :-D
Danny
The red light is key, if you can find it.
love,
ziffa
Chinamart, er, I mean, Walmart has them...
Ed
Remember, you are not breaking any bee rules just human rules. I think most of us have entered a hive with minimal lighting. Just do not enter a hive without there being a good reason to (no lookie-los with friends).
By the way, welcome to the forum and the world of bees. You might think of looking for a local club to join and go face to face with others in your area who are interested in bees. -Mike
If any of you are coming to Bud4 this year (4/26-4/27) I'm sure we'll be having another "bees after dark" experience! Yeppers...we do use red lights!
Scott
Good news I got to go in the hives late today. Queens are out in both hives, stored pollen and eggs yes I've got eggs. They had started building cone in the empty suppers that had baggie feeders in them, three pieces about the size of my hand in one just a little in the other. I shook the bees on the top of the frames and did not put the baggie feeder back in, and no empty supper is needed now. I had bought entrance feeders and guess I should have used them to start with.
I'm very, very happy to see eggs and to fix the problem in the empty supper and baggie feeder.
Mike I have joined a local club and been to one meeting, met some nice beek their.
Thanks
Danny
Personal opinion - avoid entrance feeders like the plague. They can set off robbing like there's no tomorrow.