Update on Newbie NZ

[Maja]

Hi Forum,
A few weeks ago I have sent the message to you asking how far from the house I should place my hives so we all enjoy each other company.. Well 2 days ago I finally got my first hive . I can walk just about right up to the hive and they seem to be happy about it. Maybe its just my ignorance and luck? Anyway , today I put a second brood box on the top of original one, as I noticed that box was very heavy and cluster of bees occupied the entrance . On the close inspection after opening I saw most of frames with plenty of brood ,pollen and honey. Only one frame was not drowned...(?) but there were bees on it. I found Q! more by accident that knowledge.As per advice  I transferred some frames from original box up to new brood box and staggered it with empty frames .I have seen quite a few drone cells-should I destroy them? My second hive is at the different site which I am going to inspect in a couple of days. So far so good. Very exciting that bee-business  :lol:...

[Country Heart]

Congratulations on your first hives!   X:X

  Probably better to wait for someone with more experience to answer your questions.   :)

Also...Welcome!

[annette]

Don't destroy drone cells!! Drones are needed in the hive.

[Michael Bush]

If you destroy drone cells they will just have to raise more brood and use more resources to do so...

[Mardak]

Post up a photo of the drone cell in the foundation, we can discuss the spread of everything on the foundation to give you a bit of an idea of how the brood is forming. Photo show the pollen store, nectar shape and also important capped brood layout.