They're alive! They're alive!

[ziffabeek]

And buzzing :D!

Ok, so I've know they were alive for a while, but this weekend they were sooo busy and happy, I was reeaally encouraged.  I had put a mason jar of syrup about 20 feet away from the hive around 2 weeks ago, and although there were a few days where they were flying and bringing in pollen they pretty much ignored it.  Then on Saturday, they found it!  I put out another jar and they sucked down both!  And then another on Sunday and another on Monday!  So cute with all their little butts waggling in the air with their head in the trough! All the while flying all over the place and bringing in BIG bags of pollen!  YAY!

Ok, so I was happy for about a minute, then, of course, I started worrying again :D lol, I'm so neurotic, it's ridiculous!

Anyway, what I'm worried about is it looks like they came through with lot's of bees.  I think they may have even had a brood hatch already (just from looking at the bees flying in front of the hive).  I've been reading here that feeding can encourage build up, and early spring swarms and all, and now i'm worried that they will swarm before I'm ready.  (And I'm not sure I'll be "ready" till next year!! A split? OMG!)

I haven't looked inside yet this year, just lifted the cover to add some sugar back in January when it was reeeallly cold.  I haven't wanted to disturb them. I'm guessing that the next warm sunny day I need to inspect.  But I'm not sure what to look for. 

I mean, I know I should look for drone cells and queen cups, but I don't know what these look like. (I have a really hard time telling drones from workers :( ) Also, I had read that it is better to manage now and split in summer to get a better honey harvest.  I want to do what's best for the bees, but I was really hoping for some honey this year.  If I add supers will that keep them happy?  Is that sufficient? Or should I be preparing for a split?  Should I quit feeding them?

Also,  there is still a bunch of sugar on top of the inside cover, though they are eating it up now.  Should I let them finish it? Or clean it off when I inspect?   

Sooo many questions!  Sooo exciting!  Any help, descriptions of drone brood or pictures would be muchly appreciated!

Thanks everybody! YAY for spring!!!!

love,
ziffa

[D Coates]

Ziffa,

Congratulations...  Now breath slowly, and slowly step away from the coffee. ;)

The will be no consensus on the questions you pose.  That's the great thing about beekeeping, you keep the bees how you want to.  That said, here are some questions you need to ask yourself.

How old is your queen?  If this is her second year she will be prone to swarming, especially if the hive came through with a large population and you put syrup on them.

Do you want more hives?  No?, you can find the queen and replace her with a fresh queen.  Easier said than done?  The more you look for her (within reason) the more experienced you'll get, the better you'll get.  Yes, do a walk away split in about a month, or get a fresh queen and do a split taking the old queen and bout 3 frames of brood pollen and comb to start a new hive.

Do you want lots of honey?  Yes, feed heavy and order a new queen for a split.  They'll be itching to swarm in a month.  No, don't feed and let nature take it course.  If the weather's right you'll get lots of honey either way though.

I've over simplified and others will have other (possibly better for your style) ideas here but it's a start.

[luvin honey]

Ziffa--The first time I see my bees out doing their business, "cute little butts" and all, I'm going to spaz as much as you are :D Congratulations!! Must be awesome to beek down south!

[ziffabeek]

Heh heh, Thanks guys!  I guess I do get a little excited :). I swear it was only one cup of coffee though :P.  I'm just so happy they made it~

D Coates - I do want more hives!  I guess I'll break my piggy bank and buy some more boxes.   I would love to get another queen from this ones genetics, she's so friendly and seems really strong.  I guess I'll be trying my hand at a walk away.  eeek! Exciting!

Thanks again for the replies.  and Luvin - I hope spring comes early for you!  Here's to a good long nectar dripping spring for all of us!

love,
ziffa

[luvin honey]

I guess I'll be trying my hand at a walk away.  eeek! Exciting!

Thanks again for the replies.  and Luvin - I hope spring comes early for you!  Here's to a good long nectar dripping spring for all of us!

ziffa--I did a walk-away split this past year, my first season. Have courage!! My split is the only one thriving out of 3 (but the other 2 got robbed silly late summer)! Anyway, it's easy, it works and it's so stinkin' exciting to watch the whole process!

Okay, now I'm starting to spaz and overuse the exclamation points!! I'm teasing you, but this is really, truly an exciting pasttime, hey?