C2 (my colony No.2 back in business)

beemaster · May 14, 2006, 06:35:37 PM

I mentioned Early Spring that I lost both colonies. I have kept both open at the entrance and watched scavengers come and go with HOPES that it would look good to a scout bee or two and I might get a swarm move in to one or both.

Well.... C2 had a lot of action around it today, I was especially excited to see a worker land with POLLEN on her legs!!!!! I thought BINGO and I opened the hive and sure enough, there was a medium sized colony living there in C2.

I had taken the hives apart weeks and weeks ago, so pulling the frames out was easy enough and I found the queen within a few minutes. I spotted a few eggs on the frames she was walking on but I didn't spot any larva yet, so I think they have JUST moved in within the last few days.

I'll be giving C1 a chance a little longer, but right now I think C2 will be scavenging it dry if I wait too long.

So, I'm back in business, I'll do a more detailed inspection soon enough to see how well all is. I'll wait about 12 days, that way I'll have larva and maybe the start of some sealed brood.

I'm just happy to be back in the bee business - it beats just being the forum Admin guy, I think it more credible on my end to have bees, otherwise - the only thing I do here is post long posts, delete the bad spammers and back stuff up - I surely am not the answer guy around here - we have LOTS of members WAY MORE KNOWLEDGABLE than I am, so being admin MIGHT just be what nature had planned for me - lol.

By the way - I'm transmitting (or whatever it is what we call what we do on computers) from the RV www.beemaster.com/bus.html - what I like to call my POKER PALACE. It is Sunday night, I watch Sapranos, but after that, I'll be at Ultimatebet for about 2 hours. You normal players and anyone interested in a friendly game of FREE poker come join in at www.ultimatebet.com - still the simplest, attractive and most user-friendly site of its kind.

I like to sleep out in the bus on these cooler Spring nights - it is quiet, cool and I have my computer and satelite TV within feet of the bed, bathroom and fridge (not necessarilly in that order) so life is good!!!!

Scott Derrick · May 14, 2006, 10:26:46 PM

Congrats on the new swarm. I love to hear stories about bees taking up residence in empty hives. This is why I keep an empty hive in my bee yard. I hope to catch one like that as well. I have heard that lemongrass oil placed in the hive or swarm trap is a good attractant. I have some lemongrass on order and will try it when I can.

Glad your back in business and thanks for being our admin!!

Scott

Brian D. Bray · May 15, 2006, 04:57:39 AM

Congrats on the new neighbors. Using numbers for your hives? I like letters--A hive, B(ee) hive, C (a) hive. Just a little inside joke.

Apis629 · May 15, 2006, 02:35:54 PM

I refer to my hives by how their origin. EX: Italian hive (italian package) Russian Hive (requeened russian in a split) Captured Hive and Captured Swarm (for these two I need something more creative)

beemaster · May 15, 2006, 07:15:49 PM

I'm getting ready to upload a few photos of the incoming swarm - I took a few good pics as they made their way to the hive.

They parked at the top right front corner and quickly hovered down to the entrance. It is always amazing to stand among a swarm - I suggest EVERYONE do it at least once - you never get the feel for the immensity of bees in a hive until you see the all pile out when swarming, or as they did in this case come in an commandeer a fully stocked hive.

Here is one image I was able to grab :)

Denise · May 15, 2006, 07:53:05 PM

Fantastic! I'm glad they moved in.
Someday I want to see a swarm in action. Our first hive, The Barbarians, are a swarm that took up residence in an empty hive. They will always be special.

beemaster · May 15, 2006, 09:29:50 PM

I just looked at how crappy the outside of those hive boxes look - I promise I did a bang-up job inside "prepping them" for possible tenants - luckily the new residents agree on the furnishing!!! Thanks :)

But arguably C1 and C2 are the most viewed to hives on the Net

and I'm thinking they could use vinyl siding :shock:

Zoot · May 15, 2006, 09:47:44 PM

Hi John, Fairly new here..great job with the site. It's a fantastic resource.

Actually, I was quite taken with your boxes. I am a cabinet maker/woodcarver and am preparing to make a batch of my own with a load of cedar that I've accumulated and will probably emulate your style of joinery. By the way, congrats on the swarm

Scott Derrick · May 15, 2006, 10:04:42 PM

Hmmm...vinyl siding.......wonder if they would last longer??????

Scott

TwT · May 15, 2006, 10:24:24 PM

congrads John, see luck does happen every now and then, you did good by leaving them out and getting a swarm, who know's, it could have been from a swarm you might have lost years before and they just returned home ;)