How many are buying bees?

[JanO]

I started last spring and I didn't buy a single package or nuc.  I joined a group that does local swarm captures and cut outs.  We share the bees depending on need.   I also set up traps in the area and ended up the season with 3 hives.  So far 2 look like they have a chance to make it till spring and I'm already gearing up for another busy swarm season.  Since our winter has been unusually warm and  mild I suspect swarming will start early and be prolific this year, so I'm not too worried about expanding my apiary by a few hives in 2015.

[biggraham610]

I wish swarms were that easy here. Im begging for mercy to get me through this cold snap. Last night was the worst, below 0. I guess if they made it through that they will make it, Sunday will be warm enough to find out. G

[gww]

jan
Did you have any luck with your traps or was most of the success due to calls?
Thanks
gww

[OldMech]

  Gonna have to get some gargoyles like Glock has...

    So far, 2 of 10 nucs are down. The only two nucs I had made up with package queen daughters.   4 of 30 hives are down, the 4 losses were superseded package queens.  At this point, all local and feral hives/nucs are still going strong.  My nucs will replace the losses I hope.. and the full hives here in the home yard will be split..  going for 50 hives and 40 nucs by fall from my own survivors.  No more buying bees, with the exception of resistant queens..  I will add resistant queens to the gene pool each year..  This year I have Old SOL queens incoming... 

[rookie2531]

Well, good luck to you all, I too hope that mine survive so I can raise from my own stock, but with temps that went -14 last night. Time will tell.