Cranky Critters

Birdswood · March 19, 2012, 06:17:47 AM

Anybody else have cranky bees today? I don't know if it was the weather or my bad breath or they just felt like being nasty. :? :shock: :?

ShaneJ · March 19, 2012, 08:20:56 AM

I was out playing with my bees today and didn't notice them acting any differently. But then I'm not exactly just down the road from you.

On the subject of cranky bees though, the second hive of bees I trapped out of the wall next door I left there in the shade for a few weeks after the trap out was complete. These bees were very cranky and I thought I would have to requeen. But after moving them out in the full sun they are now very pleasant.

bernsad · March 20, 2012, 04:12:45 AM

Sunny dispositions? :-D

Birdswood · March 20, 2012, 07:44:34 AM

That is terrible Bernsad.

rawfind · March 20, 2012, 07:57:48 AM

Quote from: Birdswood on March 19, 2012, 06:17:47 AM
Anybody else have cranky bees today? I don't know if it was the weather or my bad breath or they just felt like being nasty. :? :shock: :?

I believe they can be cranky if its humid or windy, someone correct me if im wrong.

bernsad · March 20, 2012, 08:23:10 AM

Sorry, should I consider myself chastised?

Birdswood · March 23, 2012, 08:01:23 PM

Yes Bernsad. You should consider yourself suitably chastised... :-D

Johnny253 · March 24, 2012, 03:16:46 AM

Interesting comment Shane. I have a cranky lot of bees that need requeening too. Last time I looked at them they were stinging my suit like crazy and three stings got me. These are also in a shaded position, on the southern side of a shed. Maybe there is something in that. Does anyone else have any experience with the affect of sunlight on bee temperament?

Grieth · March 24, 2012, 04:02:19 AM

I never thought about this before, but a swarm I caught was cranky when under a tree in sunshade, but much easier when I moved it home to the roof.

SerenityApiaries · March 24, 2012, 04:21:58 AM

I actually moved my colony last year that sat in shade out into the sun giving the colony maybe an additional 3 hours of sun light and they mellowed right out. They were pretty pissy for the first part of last year but are a great colony ever since the move. I plan on putting most my colonies in the sun with only the occasional shade. My only concern is the wind I have blowing through my bee yard. Fencing is difficult where I'm at so depend on the natural barrier from the trees. Guess I have to weigh my priorities.

Khalen