Noob question

Txav8r · May 21, 2012, 01:23:38 AM

Is this a sign that I should shade my bees more or just open up the entrance?

Or should
I be thinking of something else?
Thanks in advance. I've searched the forums but seen mixed reviews.

Michael Bush · May 21, 2012, 02:06:22 AM

It's a sign your colony is normal.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesfaqs.htm#bearding

iddee · May 21, 2012, 07:10:17 AM

Normal and looking good. Yes, I would open the entrance and remove the feeder, add a super and remove the excluder for now

tillie · May 21, 2012, 08:26:40 AM

An easy way to add a little ventilation is to put four beer caps on the inner cover - lifts the top up enough for more air circulation but doesn't put a big opening (like a stick in the back would do) for the bees to defend.

http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/2011/05/honey-brood-and-new-aid-for-ventilation.html

Linda T in Atlanta

Txav8r · May 21, 2012, 06:27:31 PM

Thanks for the info y'all. This is my first attempt so I'm not really sure what some things are supposed to look like. I've got the entrance block turned down to the smallest opening as I just hive this package a little over a month ago.
Most of what I read said to leave it this way for a few months.
The bottom brood box is combed out and I just put the top on (super)
I'll remove the excluder for a while as mentioned. When should I put it back in?
Well. It's almost 5pm so it sounds like a good time to start working on those beer caps!

Michael Bush · May 21, 2012, 11:48:02 PM

If you're seeing a traffic jam (and I'm not saying you are), open the entrance up wider.

Txav8r · May 22, 2012, 12:40:08 AM

They don't seem to be blocking the entrance. They come and go without a wait. They are just hanging out on the outside of the hive.

greenbtree · May 22, 2012, 12:57:15 AM

Nice looking hive, by the way.

JC

Txav8r · May 22, 2012, 01:18:27 AM

Thanks!
Probably should have just painted it white because of the heat around here but I just couldn't do it. It looked too nice to me to cover up. The bottom box is from Dadant, the top box I just replicated.

Txav8r · May 22, 2012, 01:26:28 AM

The bottom board, landing ramp and stand are made from cedar.

mikecva · May 22, 2012, 05:36:18 PM

Up here in northern VA we need two deeps (or 3 mediums) for brood under our excluders. If your bottom box is full I would start thinking of another brood box or watch for a swarm.
just my 2cents - Mike

Txav8r · May 22, 2012, 07:40:49 PM

Thanks. I removed it today.