New Hive Question

ChippewaBee · April 18, 2007, 01:27:30 AM

I installed my package bees last Wednesday the 11th. I checked Saturday and my queen was released. I checked again today and the problem I am seeing is no comb is being built. I have the bees on Pierco foundation. Does the weather have to be warmer in order for the comb building to happen??? Here in Pittsburgh it has been in the 30's to 40's and raining almost everyday since I have installed them.

JP · April 18, 2007, 05:24:41 AM

Chippewa, your bees are conserving their energy to keep warm. They will become active and build comb once the temps rise past say 50 degrees. Also, if the flowers in your area are not producing nectar, you will have to feed them so they may make comb, that's assuming you are not feeding them. Good luck and please be patient.

ChippewaBee · April 18, 2007, 02:47:15 PM

I am feeding them Sugar Syrup. This is the second winter in PA. I am used to it being warm in April!!!

reinbeau · April 18, 2007, 03:09:45 PM

Quote from: ChippewaBee on April 18, 2007, 02:47:15 PM
I am feeding them Sugar Syrup. This is the second winter in PA. I am used to it being warm in April!!!

We all are! :roll:

Kirk-o · April 18, 2007, 08:59:03 PM

Your bees are pretty smart they will be ok let them do there job
Kirko

Michael Bush · April 21, 2007, 04:10:52 PM

When it warms up they will take syrup and build comb. If you warm up the syrup on a cold day to just where you can put your finger in and it feels hot but doesn't burn you, you can get them to take syrup when it's cold.

ChippewaBee · April 22, 2007, 06:07:37 PM

Ok I had a huge sigh of relief today. I inspected my hive and found the queen and found hundreds of eggs,pollen and sugar water. I actually watched the queen lay some eggs!! Thank Goodness now I can rest easy.