My nuc finally arrived today

[texanbelchers]

My nuc finally arrived today in a cable utility box...  First removal went great, but it got dark way too fast.  More pictures to come.

[BeeMaster2]

Congratulations Tex.
Jim

[Intheswamp]

Excellent, Tex!!!! 

You're heading into winter, though I don't know how your winters are.  I got my first bees in December here in south Alabama...I fed them along and they built up nicely.

Best wishes!!!
Ed

[jayj200]

Excellent, Tex!!!! 

You're heading into winter, though I don't know how your winters are.  I got my first bees in December here in south Alabama...I fed them along and they built up nicely.

Best wishes!!!
Ed

His winters are too long too cold and too wet.

[Intheswamp]

Excellent, Tex!!!! 

You're heading into winter, though I don't know how your winters are.  I got my first bees in December here in south Alabama...I fed them along and they built up nicely.

Best wishes!!!
Ed

His winters are too long too cold and too wet.

jayj200, why do you make such a blunt statement that appears to be incorrect on all points?

I looked back and see that the OP is in Houston, TX.  Looking at climate data it appears that Houston averages warmer temperatures for both winter and summer than my location does and his location is also just a touch drier.  At a lower latitude than my location he has longer daylight hours than I have.

jayj200, The OP may have trouble keeping the colony alive over the winter but I don't see that trouble coming from his winters being too long, too cold, or too wet.  Would you clarify what you meant by your statement being as I must be missing something here.

[DavidD]

I'm guessing they had been there a while. or was it a new swarm

[gov1623]

They should be fine to overwinter that far south. I have the same climate in south Louisiana and I can feed my bees all winter to help build them up.

[texanbelchers]

It's been a long day, but I finally got back to the computer.  The homeowner told me they noticed them about 2 months ago.

I know it is a bit late in the season, but everything is bigger (or longer) in Texas.  :)  They are taking some of their own honey back now, but I'll start feeding soon.  I don't understand the issues with weather; we have 9 months of Summer and 3 months of Fall/Spring.  I have to drive North to find that frozen white stuff.

Anyway, I removed them Thursday evening and got them home and into the hive about 8; just after dark and I was working by lantern.  Bees really like the light!  I went back out Friday morning to finish cleaning up, but didn't notice one got inside my pant leg.  She hit my calf while I was eating breakfast.  Bummer, but I know I'm not allergic now.

We caught the queen on the first comb we pulled and hair-clipped her.  I marked and released her during my first inspection this morning.  I had to straighten a couple of the old combs, but most were ok.  I salvaged 4 good sized combs of brood and a bit of honey.  They didn't have much in the way of stores yet.

Anyway, here are some more photos for you.  Comments and/or questions are always welcome.

[LaurieBee]

Nice job, Texan.

[Intheswamp]

 :th_thumbsupup:  Great job and photos!!!  You are on your way to being a honey tycoon!!!  ;)

Ed

[BeeMaster2]

Good job Tex. What did you use to hold the comb in place? It looks like a piece of metal or plastic.
Jim

[Jim134]

His winters are too long too cold and too wet.

jayj200.......

            You need to come to Southern Vermont in January and February you got the long part and the cold part definitely right.  :shock:



                  BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)

[texanbelchers]

Well, i don't recommend a top bar for cutouts.  I tried using slats from window blinds for support, but they did not support it.

My other option was wire which worked fairly well.  I had drilled 1/8" holes in each end of the bar.  I slit the comb and placed it over comb guide, then ran a wire for support.  They survived the drive and transfer into the hive.  I used a couple of bamboo skewers to help keep it lined up.

I watched a couple of removal videos where they had what looked like a 1" wire grid formed into a claw.  It appeared quick and easy. I didn't have any on hand and didn't want to increase my $13 hive cost.

The best thing was the bee vac i made from a cardboard box.  It would have taken forever without that!

[jayj200]

speaking from my frame of reference. did ya notice my location?

being a carpenter during my yonger years when I survived in Houston 12 years. Yes i said raining all the time 24 hrs a day for two or three months. much like Washington state  only hover n around 30 degrees.
for me it is too long too cold and too wet. darn one can't even play in it.  I left

[SCPossum]

Awesome. More power to you!

[texanbelchers]

Well, I'm bummed. :'(  Sunday they were cleaning house and foraging.  I put syrup on last night and it didn't look right, but I wasn't able to get a good look.  I just inspected and all I have is less than 50 bees that look like they just emerged, an couple of hive beetles, and a bunch of larva.

Maybe I'll treat the next removal as a package and leave the old comb in the trash.  Maybe they will come back....... ;)

It was a fun learning experience while it lasted!  Oh well, I'm off to the Bee Assoc meeting.

[GSF]

It took me two or three losses but now when I catch a swarm I put the queen excluder at the bottom of the box. Maybe I should do that with cut outs as well. Sorry they took off, it's a bummer - I know.