Small Swarm Question

Started by simmonds, May 22, 2012, 02:37:58 PM

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simmonds

May 22, 2012, 02:37:58 PM
Julie and I caught a small (a little larger than a grapefruit) swarm on Sunday out of a tree in Springfield. Lacking any woodware at the moment we placed them in a swarm trap which is essentially a 7 frame nuc box without a traditional bottom board and entrance, so we had to improvise a feeder by cuttin a small hole on top of the box and using a canning jar and lid with tiny holes.

The following day the weather fell apart and it has been cloudy and rainy ever since.  I do see an occasional bee coming in and out the entrance but far and few between.  I have lifted and checked the sugar syrup several times in the last couple days and never see a bee feeding on the syrup.  I know they are in there as a knock on the side of the hive produces the usual outburst of buzzing on the inside.  Is it normal that they are not taking much of the syrup even though outside contions have been poor for pollen and nectar collecting?  The frames inside are not drawn out and are just bare foundation.  I wonder if this little swarm is just waiting for the weather to get better so the can move on?

Any opinions?  Thanks.

hardwood

#1
May 22, 2012, 02:53:16 PM
They brought their own honey with them. Did you have any drawn comb in with them? If so they have stored it there. If not they are using it to draw comb. They should get to your feed soon enough if the weather doesn't clear.

Scott
"In the first place, we should insist that if the immigrant who comes here in good faith becomes an American and assimilates himself to us, he shall be treated on an exact equality with everyone else, for it is an outrage to discriminate against any such man because of creed, or birthplace, or origin. But this is predicated upon the person's becoming in every facet an American, and nothing but an American...There can be no divided allegiance here. Any man who says he is an American, but something else also, isn't an American at all. We have room for but one flag, the American flag...We have room for but one language here, and that is the English language...And we have room for but one sole loyalty and that is a loyalty to the American people."

Theodore Roosevelt 1907

Kathyp

#2
May 22, 2012, 03:28:39 PM
yes, the weather did fall apart!   :-D

one thing about those small swarms:  sometimes they are after swarms.  they may have a virgin queen with them.  when you do get the chance to check, don't be to upset if you don't see any sign of her laying.  you may or may not be able to find her, but you should keep an eye on them to make sure you have a mated queen in there within the next 2ish weeks.  i think it's supposed to be much better over the weekend.
The people the people are the rightful masters of both congresses and courts not to overthrow the Constitution, but to overthrow the men who pervert it.

Abraham  Lincoln
Speech in Kansas, December 1859

simmonds

#3
May 22, 2012, 05:46:41 PM
Thanks Scott and Kathy!  Great to know they swarm with their own honey! :)  I will keep an eye on them and in a couple weeks hope to see some eggs in there. 

Chris
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