New Hive - Noob questions from first inspection

[Donovan J]

Haha! Thanks 15thMember. I see the pics did post after all. The first is a shot of her Majesty, the Queen. The second is where a comb is starting to curve in toward the bar in front of it. I'm not sure how to fix it or even if I should.

You should fix it because it'll only get worse. I learned from experience  did you use starter strips?

[Crtolbert]

No, I cut a triangular guide on the bottom of the bars. How do I fix it? I don't know that I could rubberband it like I've seen done on a Lang.

[Kwalt]

No need to cut the whole thing loose. You can bend the comb back in line with your fingers. They?ll fix whatever you mess up. If you don?t fix it, the comb they build next to it will be curved to match.

Kevin


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[cao]

>When do I quit feeding them?

when you feel that they have enough stored in their comb.  Make sure they still have enough room for the queen to lay eggs.

>Is there anything I can do to stop them or do I just need to plan on having to deal with this every time?

You will probably have to deal with it especially when they are drawing new comb.  Once they have the comb finished then it should be easier to deal with.

>How often should I inspect them considering it is a top bar hive?

That would depend if it is a full inspection where you are pulling frames or just lifting the lid.  If it is a full inspection I would suggest no more than once a week.  If you are just lifting the lid the you could do that more often.

[FloridaGardener]

>Is there anything I can do to stop them or do I just need to plan on having to deal with this every time?

Try leaving your follower board close to the cluster.  It is a guide for them.  They will festoon next to it, and draw straight.  Move the follower board for a new comb every few days, as needed, when you see the furthest comb is 3/4 finished.

[Crtolbert]

Thank you all for your advice. I will go into the hive today to check the comb and replace the feeder. I'm also going to check to see if my hive is still level.

[Crtolbert]

Here are my observations from the inspection today:

• The bees were much more active toward the rear of the hive than they have been.
• They had crossed the comb on the second bar onto the first bar and built a small comb behind the curve on the second bar. I removed the small comb and rubberbanded the curved comb onto the second bar.
• I didn't see the queen, but there was capped brood and uncapped larva was larger than they were a couple of days ago.
• They attached the comb on the first bar to the front of the hive. I ran my hive tool down the front board to disconnect it.

My plan is too just feed every other day for a week and then inspect again. I anticipate seeing a lot more capped brood and some emerged bees as well as a lot more pollen.