Here are some more checking on the bees. The frame that they added the extra thickness of honeycomb to while the 10th frame was removed is shown here. Some books would suggest I scrape this off and make them start over, but I hate to do that to them, especially with us having such a short summer in this climate.There is a nice pattern of "capped brood" (covered up cells of baby bees incubating). You can also see the "drone" cells that are rather bullet-shaped sticking up a little bit. We purchased a bright green plastic drone frame from the local beekeeping club that we'll put in the hive next time -- hopefully so that the queen lays the majority of her drone eggs on that frame and it can be removed to help discourage varroa mites (kinda like fleas for bees).
The bees have been looking happy and building away inside the hive. Just put a thin/shallow "super" on the hive last week to give them more space to grow. Will try to open the hive tomorrow afternoon, install the drone frame, take photos, etc. :)
3 comments:
I am totally fascinated by your beekeeping and appreciate that you take the time to share with us.
That's so interesting! :) I LOVE honey and with the news of the colonies dying out (though I don't really know much about it as I just "heard" about it) - it's kind of scary to think of what could happen without bees.
Keep up the good work :)
I am so thrilled you took the plunge to be a beekeeper. It sounds like it would be so rewarding. I just love my local beekeeper. I stock up my honey supply from her every fall.
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