Just wanted to share the first inspections of the year. All 40 of my hives are still alive and going strong. A few were really impressive for this time of year. Maple and dandelion is blooming right now and the bees are expanding rapidly. Most hives have at least 3 to 4 full frames of brood with good populations. Lots of capped drone brood so looking to start making splits in a couple weeks. I saw a good bit of fresh nectar in the hives and a ton of pollen. This is the best my hives looked this early since I started beekeeping. Im thinking it had alot to do with the great fall flow we had because they are still very heavy on stores. Looks like I need to really get started in the wood shop as my goal for the year will be towards queen and nuc production. Just thought I would share my excitement with y'all.
You have a lot to be excited about! Sounds like you have been doing a great job. Forty live booming hives is not an accident. Hats off to you sir.
sounds great. i hope i see the same things going on in my hives soon.
Good going there gov.
Joe
That's great! Keep us posted on what coming into bloom down there.
Alright good news on the hives.
We will be about 2 - 3 weeks behind ya'll here in Central Arkansas.
My hives are doing good also, put candy on them last Sunday before this cold spell.
I will start my hives on Protein Patties and 1-1 sugar syrup on the first warm day in the middle of February.
I won't go deep in my hives until the 1st warm day in March and then I'll checker board them and do some splitting.
Keep us posted it gives me something to look forward to.
NE Florida looks to be nice and warm this week, makes me excited to here a good report from Louisiana. I'll be poking through the hives this week! Lots of maple blooming here.
My girls are bringing in lots of pollen. Temperature is 80 today...had a few days of rain and looks to be in the 80's or mid to high 70's for at least a week.... lots of light to white pollen and dark orange.