I got my hives started!

[FlexMedia.tv]

What a rush! but I got it done. I took some pictures and I have a bunch of questions but I'm having trouble posting pictures here. Maybe this will work...

http://beekeeper.flexmedia.tv/2016/05/21/i-got-em-in/

[Dallasbeek]

Congratulations.  You might want to lose that Boardman feeder because they promote robbing, and be a little more gentle with the brush.  Otherwise, well done.

[cao]

Ditto on what Dallasbeek said.  I personally think the bee brush is a waste of money.  The only time I use a brush is when I'm pulling honey.  And that's only to get the last few bees off.  I have a small paint brush that I use for that.

[FlexMedia.tv]

Thank you!
I've been warned about those feeders, after I bought them. I looked a one top feeder and the reviews scared me about drowning. I didn't want that. I did read about another top feeder that seemed nice.

Does anyone know what these bees are doing?

http://beekeeper.flexmedia.tv/2016/05/21/i-got-em-in/

About an hour after I put them in I took those pictures.

Art

[TALittle]

I could be wrong with this, but the bee with the butt up in the air fanning it's wings is sending out a pheromone message to any of the bees not in the hive saying "We are over here"

I dont have bees yet but I remember a Michael Bush video where he talked about it.

BTW I liked the video. Interesting to see a newbee install his first bees.

[triple7sss]

That is just great Flex.  It IS fun to see someone install a package for the first time and it makes a person think back to just how stinkin' cool that was.

I love the bee brush.  I tried a paint brush, a branch with leaves and a couple other things before I bought one and whatever magic they put in those things is worth it.  Everything else seemed to just make for angry bees.  Not that the brush makes them exceptionally happy or anything....

[divemaster1963]

Looks like their fanning. Let's flying bees  know were the Queen and hive is. They release a pheramone that smells like lemongrass extract. It's good.

John

[Dallasbeek]

About the brush.  I gave mine to my wife to sweep stuff into the dustpan.  Go to a craft store and buy some turkey feathers.  Use one at a time and just kinda encourage them to move.  Don't get in a hurry.  Just urge them in the direction you want them to go.

I really liked your video.  I think it will be good for other beginners to see the level of confidence you exhibit (no gloves says you aren't afraid of the bees, among other things).

[FlexMedia.tv]

TALittle, Divemaster,
That would make sense. I have a lot to learn about their mannerisms.
Triple7 it was fun making that. You can tell I was nervous. I found out quickly that I couldn't talk and do that at the same time! The second hive went a little better.

[FlexMedia.tv]

Turkey feathers...humm. I'll see if I can get some. I did notice some got caught in the bristles. I didn't know any other way to get them out other than shake them. Thanks for watching the video.

[SlickMick]

You did well Flex, no sign of nervousness at all!

Mick

[FlexMedia.tv]

Thanks Mick, spiraling with terror INSIDE is all!