Darted out of top, now lost?

rookie2531 · August 20, 2014, 07:32:54 PM

Some of you may know that I split my hive into 3 back in July. I put 2 of them in 5 frame nucs. Now those nucs are growing as I have been feeding 1/1 with hbh. They are taking 1/2 gallon every 3 days. So today I went to take the top off but gave them a quick shot of smoke, and when I say quick, I mean barely any smoke came out the smoker. Waited about a minute and when I pulled the top, A bunch came out at once. Now this is strange to me as before, there would be many bees in the top but they would remain crawling all around the inner cover and jars. After they darted out, it was like they instantly were lost and flying around like they do during orientation. They buzzed around even after I was done filling the jars. I put the top back on and left a crack open for a few minutes and some were crawling back in.

The second nuc acted normal and had no surprises for me. I did the exact same thing as the first. Any Ideas as what caused this? They did not dart at me or zing me at all. Just flew out and seemed lost.

Dallasbeek · August 20, 2014, 08:34:02 PM

Robbers, maybe? Were they able to get there without going through the bottom entry?

rookie2531 · August 20, 2014, 09:06:18 PM

No way in, except bottom entrance and it is only 1 1/2" wide, in fact getting too small for them. There is a top entrance but it is closed and the vent way is screened. All 3 hives were out of syrup also. So maybe they are going through more than 1/2 gallon every 3 days. The entrances seem calm though, I don't think it is robbing at all as they have that opening well protected.

rwlaw · August 20, 2014, 09:53:04 PM

It probably was some bees that hadn't taken their orientation flights yet. Maybe take the lid off slower next time, give em a chance to get their bearings.

BeeMaster2 · August 20, 2014, 10:31:50 PM

Rookie,
My bet is that you did this late in the afternoon. If so these bees were waiting to come out of the hive to go on their orientation flights.
Jim

rookie2531 · August 21, 2014, 10:24:37 AM

Jim, you would be right. It was around 5:00 P.M.

BeeMaster2 · August 22, 2014, 06:02:21 AM

I use screen top boards. When I remove the cover, I can see inside without disturbing the bees. If it is close to their orientation time, they will swarm under the screen trying to get out.
Jim

GSF · August 22, 2014, 10:04:27 PM

Jim, Do you use those instead of inner covers or in addition to? I like that idea.

BeeMaster2 · August 22, 2014, 10:10:28 PM

Quote from: GSF on August 22, 2014, 10:04:27 PM
Jim, Do you use those instead of inner covers or in addition to? I like that idea.

I use them instead of inner covers. I have been using only STB since my first year.
Jim