Bees in the tree branch

ivashka · March 10, 2010, 10:39:23 PM

Hi there. I posted this in a couple of different web sites, but I want to get as much help as possible, so if you already saw this, than sorry.
Today I got a phone call from beekeeper store saying some tree company found bees in the tree that was cut off in half. So I went and got all the bees. When they cut it in half they did some pretty good damage to it. I was able to get about the size of cantalupe of bees. I am not sure if queen is still there but I would think so. They all seemed to gether inside the branch. I looked on the ground to see if she was one of the dead but didn't see it, but it still doesn't mean she's alive or dead. Today was kind of chilly day outside and Friday should be in high 50s and I want to move them from the branch to the top bar hive, cause that's what I have. When I'll move them to the TBH and don't see the queen, what should I do? I am not even sure what kind they are, but they seem pretty dark in color.

JP · March 10, 2010, 10:48:27 PM

If you do not have a queen you will need to get one. You will only know by setting them up, feeding them and allowing them to build comb. If she is there she will begin laying.

They are in a branch now?

Do you have other hives? Woodenware?

...JP

ivashka · March 10, 2010, 11:19:39 PM

Where would I get a queen this time of year, isn't it kind of early right now? Plus, does it matter if I put any kind of queen or does it have to be their type only? I am not sure what type they are. They are dark in color and could go for carnilians?!?

They are in the branch right now in my shed. They reason why I'm keeping them there over night is because it's too cold to move them. It should be 25 degrees tonight plus, the branch was cut in half.

Yes, I do have another TBH available for them. Do you think they'll be okay how they are now until Friday?

Thanks for your reply.

JP · March 10, 2010, 11:35:00 PM

Quote from: ivashka on March 10, 2010, 11:19:39 PM
Where would I get a queen this time of year, isn't it kind of early right now? Plus, does it matter if I put any kind of queen or does it have to be their type only? I am not sure what type they are. They are dark in color and could go for carnilians?!?

They are in the branch right now in my shed. They reason why I'm keeping them there over night is because it's too cold to move them. It should be 25 degrees tonight plus, the branch was cut in half.

Yes, I do have another TBH available for them. Do you think they'll be okay how they are now until Friday?

Thanks for your reply.

Not sure where you can get a queen in your area now. Check some local beeclubs nearest you or your state department.

Is there any comb in the branch with them? Any honey stores? If not you will need to consider feeding them.

...JP

beee farmer · March 10, 2010, 11:51:00 PM

Should be able to get one from WT Kellys.

applebwoi · March 11, 2010, 12:38:08 AM

If they don't have a queen they'll accept a new one. If there is a queen in the bunch you caught and you try to add another it will be battle.

David LaFerney · March 11, 2010, 09:25:42 AM

If you can't get a queen maybe you can get some brood locally.

ivashka · March 11, 2010, 05:04:52 PM

Good news. I removed bees from the branch into the TBH and I found the queen alive and in one peace. Bad news is that I can not save any combs with honey and brood because they were damaged pretty badly. I took 5 honey combs with no brood from my other hive and put it in their hive. Will this work, will they be okay this way?
Also, I put their hive about 3 feet away from my old hive, will this be a problem?
Thanks to all.

Kathyp · March 11, 2010, 08:49:54 PM

it will work fine. even better if there was some room for the queen to start laying right away. your hive should be fine where you put it.

they will stay or not according to their own whims. giving them comb and food increases the odds of success.

JP · March 12, 2010, 05:59:18 AM

Quote from: ivashka on March 11, 2010, 05:04:52 PM
Good news. I removed bees from the branch into the TBH and I found the queen alive and in one peace. Bad news is that I can not save any combs with honey and brood because they were damaged pretty badly. I took 5 honey combs with no brood from my other hive and put it in their hive. Will this work, will they be okay this way?
Also, I put their hive about 3 feet away from my old hive, will this be a problem?
Thanks to all.

A few things. First congrats on finding the queen! Second, you will obviously need to feed them or they will starve to death unless nectar is available. I would still feed them for a week or two. If nectar is readily available they will cease feeding on the sugar water and you can remove it.

Lastly, because this colony is not as strong as your other one, you will need to greatly reduce the entrance to protect against robbing.

Best wishes.

...JP

contactme_11 · March 12, 2010, 09:13:13 AM

Quote from: David LaFerney on March 11, 2010, 09:25:42 AM
If you can't get a queen maybe you can get some brood locally.

Are you saying so they can make their own? Because if it is too early for queens than it is to early for drones.