Free Bees!

mick · February 11, 2009, 11:57:27 PM

I had a super that I was going to put a split into when I got around to it. It was being robbed, or so I thought.

This arvo, I caught what I am sure is a swarm going into it. Pile of bees on the doostep, all big buggers, marching in. I think I caught the tail of it.

So it would have been from the robbers, or a swarm blown in from the fires, either way I will have a peek tomorrow if its not too early?

Brian D. Bray · February 12, 2009, 12:37:50 AM

I would think a swarm escaping the fires more likely.

JP · February 12, 2009, 12:41:41 AM

I'm confused. Are you asking if its too early for a swarm or too early to check them tomorrow?

With the fires you are having there's probably lots of colonies absconding, if they're lucky enough to do so.

Check them tomorrow.

...JP

EasternShore · February 12, 2009, 08:49:05 AM

HEY...wondering what parts of OZ are burning..I have friends in Gympie. And Brissy..please pm

BjornBee · February 12, 2009, 01:45:07 PM

Just wondering...Have their been any reports of bee yards being destroyed?

mick · February 12, 2009, 08:01:48 PM

I would think so, though there would be no trace left. Stock losses havent even been calculated yet, so I would imagine it will take weeks to determine how many hives have been lost.

mick · February 12, 2009, 09:42:16 PM

I just had a look and it is indeed a swarm! My first one and I wasnt even trying, how easy is this! How longs this been going on? What a lurk, money from the sky!

There must be a couple of thousand of em in there, had a good look, didnt spot the queen, but there was a bit of a ball and I guess she was in the middle of that.

They looked to be bloody hungry, I didnt use a lot of smoke, just a waft over the top.

They have 4 empty frames, 2 full of honey and 2 partially drawn and filled. They may not have eaten for days, so I made sure they have plenty of tucker.

Tomorrow I will sit close by and see if I can spot some carrying in pollen.

asprince · February 12, 2009, 09:51:20 PM

Good things happen to good people. You may want to set out a few swarm traps, the may have friends that are looking for a new home.

Steve

Scadsobees · February 13, 2009, 02:42:44 PM

Quote from: mick on February 12, 2009, 09:42:16 PM

They looked to be bloody hungry, I didnt use a lot of smoke, just a waft over the top.

Probably gave them post traumatic stress syndrome flashbacks.... :-P

TwT · February 13, 2009, 07:24:23 PM

good for you mick, with all the fires you might want to put out everything you can and that might just be the first swarm you get, could fill everything you have before long, worth a try!!!

mick · February 20, 2009, 08:09:25 PM

They seem to have settled down well, bringing plenty of pollen in from the Manna Gums. I have put another super out for swarms, but I reckon Im being a bit greedy!

mudlake · February 20, 2009, 09:24:10 PM

Get those swarm traps out. Good Luck Tony