New Member from Central MA

Reming870 · April 20, 2020, 10:56:57 AM

Going into my third year with bees. My mindset is stuck on treatment free beekeeping but I have failed at wintering bees the last two years with this mindset. I am stubborn and will keep trying until it works as I feel its important to the bees and to us for consumption. This year I am moving into VSH queens with over wintered nucs. I will be starting 3 hives this year, 2 from nucs and 1 from package. All will be located in North Central Massachusetts. Package will be here in a couple weeks and the nucs to follow shortly afterwards. If only our snow and cold would go away.

JurassicApiary · April 20, 2020, 02:10:33 PM

Welcome, Reming870; I hope that cold grip lets go of you soon!

CoolBees · April 20, 2020, 10:56:32 PM

Welcome to Beemaster.

I certainly hope you are able to succeed with TF.

cao · April 20, 2020, 11:08:29 PM

Welcome

TF is possible. 8 years and counting. 60+ hives 30+ mating nucs right now.

Reming870 · April 21, 2020, 09:07:13 AM

Quote from: cao on April 20, 2020, 11:08:29 PM
Welcome

TF is possible. 8 years and counting. 60+ hives 30+ mating nucs right now.

Cao - I would love to hear more about just your normal routine. Is PM fine or maybe an open discussion on the general forum. I haven't lurked long enough in the forums to know how to get the best responses.

Seeb · April 21, 2020, 09:42:04 AM

Cao - I would love to hear more about just your normal routine

Me too

guitarstitch · April 21, 2020, 10:04:25 AM

I'm not exactly treatment free, but I am low treatment without pesticides (oxalic acid).

One thing that is supposed to help substantially is small cell comb, which is obtained by using foundationless brood frames. I'm no expert in that realm, but I have noticed with my amateur eye that the bees definitely prefer the foundationless over the plastic foundation - including the top dollar Acorn double waxed stuff. I prefer foundationless due to cost and waste reduction.

Welcome to Beemaster, where we have a variety of styles and approaches to beekeeping. One consistent thing between all members here is mutual respect for each other.

dingrr · April 21, 2020, 01:47:17 PM

Welcome and good luck!

BeeMaster2 · April 21, 2020, 02:12:55 PM

Welcome to Beemaster.
Jim Altmiller

Bob Wilson · April 22, 2020, 10:21:42 AM

Reming. I also am trying treatment free (2nd year beek). Some do and some don't. This forum's members are gracious about differing opinions. They are here to help whichever way they can. They just love bees.