Another newbie

[ShaneJ]

Gday everyone,

Shane here from Queensland Australia.

The last few weeks I have been reading lots of posts and information on this forum in preparation of receiving my new hive. Last night I received my new hive so I thought I would finally sign up here and be ready to ask lots of questions.
I had a hive set-up for me early last year but unfortunately lost it to SHB early this year. After reading plenty on this forum I believe that I may have caused the loss by putting back the frames after honey extraction. I am determined to have more success this time around.


I have a short video introducing my hive but I am unsure if I can post it here.
Day one after receiving new bee hive

Shane

Youtube Link added by Beemaster.

[Shanevrr]

welcome lol

[Larry Bees]

Welcome! I would like to see your video. Larry

[AllenF]

Welcome to the forum.

[ShaneJ]

Thanks guys.

I cant add the video yet as I am only a newbee with not enough posts.

Shane

[ShaneJ]

Hi guys, This is the introductory video on my hive:

http://youtu.be/6zCXp6EAT1A

[Larry Bees]

I watched both videos and the end of week one looked much better. Looks like you have quit a lot of bees in there. Larry

[ShaneJ]

There are certainly a lot of bees in the hive now and they all seem to be working hard. I took the top off yesterday for a quick inspection just to make sure they weren't simply lazing around.

I have been told by the local apiary that I should change the lid from a telescopic to a migratory one.  Apparently this will allow more bees to fit in the hive on top of the frames and in turn allow the bees more access to chase beetles. Does anyone have any opinions to share on this?

I have another video of the hive inspection yesterday. This inspection led to a very interesting afternoon and what will become a steep learning curve for me I think. I'll get the video up later on today (hopefully).

[beemaster]

Nice Video Shane. I added the link you sent to the first video, then noticed later  Buzzbee had already added it - glad we got it for you. Enjoy the forum :)

[ShaneJ]

Thanks mate. I have some interesting stuff coming shortly which I will be requiring some help with. Standby for some questions.

Shane

[Meadlover]

Welcome aboard Shane, great to have another Beek from SE QLD on here.

I may have caused the loss by putting back the frames after honey extraction.

I had the same thing happen to me - lost 2 of my 3 hives in my 1st year due to SHB because we put sticky combs back on them - never again.
I have also taken to foundationless frames and have found it better in reducing SHB numbers.

Hi guys, This is the introductory video on my hive:

http://youtu.be/6zCXp6EAT1A

Wow - they built up quick in a week - you definitely need to super that one!

I have been told by the local apiary that I should change the lid from a telescopic to a migratory one.  Apparently this will allow more bees to fit in the hive on top of the frames and in turn allow the bees more access to chase beetles. Does anyone have any opinions to share on this?

I have all migratory lids, mainly because that's what the hives had when I got them, and it seems to be the standard around these parts. As there is a gap in the lid it does help to know when to add a super - if they're building comb in the lid it time to add a super!

ML

[ShaneJ]

Its good to learn from our mistakes but its just a shame the bees lost their home.


In your foundationless frames do you still use wire to help support the building of comb?

[Meadlover]

In your foundationless frames do you still use wire to help support the building of comb?

No, I don't use wire anymore - you can (and I have) but I don't worry about it anymore.
If you want more strength and support for the combs you can add a vertical support eg a piece of wood running vertically to split the frame in 2.

ML

[ShaneJ]

Interesting. Thanks mate

[specialkayme]

Welcome to the site!