Surprised how docile honey bees are

Draginol · May 22, 2007, 12:37:33 AM

I'm new to beekeeping. I have set up two hives so I can compare the two.

But one thing I've been very surprised about is how gentle honey bees are (or at least these are). I've been reading as much as I can about hive temperment and trying to make sure I only work with them on days with the sun out and nice weather.

But so far, I haven't even needed to use a smoker, let alone any special clothing. I don't react to being stung (mind you, I don't like being stung, I just don't get a reaction to it) so I've not been particularly nervous in opening up the brood chamber to check things out. I can open them up or even sit right in front of the hive watching without them doing so much as buzzing by me.

What I am wondering about is is this normal? I was thinking that perhaps early in the season when it's a small hive that they aren't very protective yet (as opposed to when they've got honey and such).

What have other people's experiences been? At what point should I start to use a smoker (what level of working with the hive) and protective gear?

wtiger · May 22, 2007, 01:01:35 AM

I've had pretty much the same experience as you. When I installed them I was suited up. When I took the queen cage out all I had was a veil and a little smoke. I think for my first major inspection later this week or next I'll just go in with just the veil. They have been extremely docile. They don't even seem to mind my cat standing at the entrance inspecting and sniffing around on every bee it sees, or at least trying too. I can sit 4 feet away from the front of the hive and just watch and they just fly past me.

AndersMNelson · May 22, 2007, 02:41:07 AM

I'm working on my second year and haven't even been stung yet. It's almost a little disappointing.

Michael Bush · May 22, 2007, 07:45:44 AM

>What I am wondering about is is this normal?

Yes, it's normal. But so is a defensive reaction after you drop a box full of bees (as I did just yesterday). Still I didn't get stung, but it would not have surprised me if I did. They do mobilize more quickly when the hive is stronger. I would keep a smoker handy.

Scadsobees · May 22, 2007, 09:23:34 AM

Second that on the big hive....with only 3 frames or so, they will be mild. When they have more to defend they will.

They will tell you when you need to use smoke/protection. Hopefully only one at a time though... :shock:

Rick

Moonshae · May 22, 2007, 05:40:18 PM

I was happy to see that the bees were forgiving of my bumbling attempts to remove the queen cage that had fallen to the bottom board. I figured that lifting the box off the bottom board and snagging the cage was easiest, rather than trying to reach down through the box. What I didn't consider was the need to crack the box free of the board at all 4 corners first, so they got lifted a few times and set down with me hovering over the open top without ever getting upset.

When I put in my SBB and slatted rack, I'll know to do this first now.

TigerLily · May 22, 2007, 07:42:41 PM

Quote from: AndersMNelson on May 22, 2007, 02:41:07 AM
I'm working on my second year and haven't even been stung yet. It's almost a little disappointing.

I've never been stung in my life, by wasp or bee, and oddly enough I'm sorta looking forward to knowing what it feels like. I'm sure that when it actually does happen, I'll think differently.

Moonshae · May 22, 2007, 08:39:20 PM

Quote from: TigerLily on May 22, 2007, 07:42:41 PM
I'm sure that when it actually does happen, I'll think differently.

Indeed. I've rarely been stung by honeybees, but I've had encounters with wasps and a yellowjacket who was particularly upset that I ran over the hive with my lawn mower. Six stings in the space of a dime left an orange-sized swollen area (circumference...it didn't swell to that size) that was sore for more than a week. Not exactly an experience to be relished. :)

AllanJ · May 22, 2007, 08:52:09 PM

I got stung 5 seconds after I dumped my first package into my first hive.. That was however, when I was young and foolish.. all better now.. :) My 2nd hive is currently the dream hive and are such wonderful little bees who do not even get excited when I pull the frames out.

skullring · May 22, 2007, 10:11:36 PM

Yes, My wife was suprised how docile the bees were. I think she had visions of everyone getting dive-bombed. The first time she went to the hive she said "Hmmm they just mind their own business don't they?" So that makes it a little easier to talk her into hives 2-? next spring.

BeeHopper · May 22, 2007, 10:32:30 PM

Quote from: TigerLily on May 22, 2007, 07:42:41 PM
Quote from: AndersMNelson on May 22, 2007, 02:41:07 AM
I'm working on my second year and haven't even been stung yet. It's almost a little disappointing.

I've never been stung in my life, by wasp or bee, and oddly enough I'm sorta looking forward to knowing what it feels like. I'm sure that when it actually does happen, I'll think differently.

Careful what you wish for :shock:

DayValleyDahlias · May 22, 2007, 10:53:40 PM

I got stung 2 weekd ago...but not at the hive, in the garden while weeding...I think she landed on my arma nd I squished her...sad but true...I do not look forward to the next sting...hopefully there will be few...

Understudy · May 23, 2007, 02:03:47 AM

Please come down here to Florida. According to the news everything is AHB. I can always shake my hives before you look in them. :evil:

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Jerrymac · May 23, 2007, 10:18:22 AM

Quote from: TigerLily on May 22, 2007, 07:42:41 PM
I've never been stung in my life, by wasp or bee, and oddly enough I'm sorta looking forward to knowing what it feels like. I'm sure that when it actually does happen, I'll think differently.

I've heard the first sting is a freebee. The next sting could amount to nothing, or land you in the hospital. Just depends on hoe the immune system builds itself from that first sting.

Just what I heard.