We got our bees!!!! We installed the packages on Monday 4/21/2014 and managed to get some video.
The first video is the first install. It went well, I think, other than loosing the first 2 nails and pulling the wrong cork.... anyways. I released the queen immediately as they got to enjoy each others company for 8 days in shipping.
http://youtu.be/TUqgPL33D7M (http://youtu.be/TUqgPL33D7M)
The second video is the second install. It went well up to the point my oldest little lady helped dump the bees into her hive. If you watch closely you will see a clump of bees fall out of the box and onto the frames just as she sets the package down. There was carnage. Probably crushed 30 bees. The bees hit the air and were quite active until the rain started and the sun set.
This video is rated "R" for coarse language. Some animals were hurt and killed during the making of this video. Viewer discretion is advised.
http://youtu.be/iGPYHKME-BU (http://youtu.be/iGPYHKME-BU)
Nice video. Sam really enjoyed it.
I see you have a 6 gallon crate mentioned in another thread.
Jim
I loved the ending to the second video. :-D
Jim
Jim,
My wife didn't. She was a good sport. First hives and first sting.
And the fun begins!! :)
That little sting will be a long lasting memory. Hope this is not a deterrent.
Buzzbee,
It may have deterred her. She did not want to come out and record our first inspection that we did this weekend. We had to pull the queen cages and swept the dead bee that were still on the bottom board (of one hive, the other "mean" hive was spotless) and checked to see if the queens were laying, and they are!!!
I heard a beekeeper once say that the honey is not as sweet if you are not stung... I guess my wife will like any honey we get from these hives next year. I have already convinced her that WE will get no honey this year. Maybe next year if I can keep them alive long enough....