Lost another hive. Only have 2 left.

[Sean Kelly]

Lost another hive.  It was the swarm that I caught back in spring.  Poor buggers died trying to get the last drops from the cells with their little butts sticking out.  For some reason this hive didn't draw hardly any wax out and barely collected any nectar.  Also for some reason they didn't want to take sugar syrup.  Went out there and saw a pile on the enterance.  Opened the lid and there was no live and a strong smell of death.  No larve or eggs.  Just dead bees.  Same problem that I had last year when I lost 3 other hives.  I'm down to two hives.  I'm doing everything I've done before, so I don't know anymore.  I'm feeling frustrated and don't know if I want to keep going.  But I love these little guys, so I will keep pushing on.  Time to save some $$ and buy packages again.  I keep burning frames and need more of those too.

Sean Kelly

[brooksbeefarm]

If you suspect AFB by burning the frames the hive bodies will have the spores also. Never had AFB myself but that's what all the books say. Sorry for your loss but hang in there and good luck next time.Jack

[Sean Kelly]

If you suspect AFB by burning the frames the hive bodies will have the spores also. Never had AFB myself but that's what all the books say. Sorry for your loss but hang in there and good luck next time.Jack

No AFB.  It's totally starvation.  I burn them cause there's dead brood and bees stuck inside the cells.  I'd rather burn them than try to salvage them.  Seems more sanitary.  It's just something I've always done when I kill a hive.

Sean Kelly

[Tucker1]

Sean:  Sorry to hear about your loss. Hopefully, your other two hives will make it thru the winter just fine and in the spring you can do a few splits to build things back up.  In your posting you didn't say anything about the queen that came with this little swarm. Is it far to say, she wasn't very productive, or that she just didn't have enough comb to work with?

Regards,
Tucker1