Hello to the hive!
Just signed up to the forum and wanted to say hello. I got started with beekeeping a year now. Looking forward to learning from the group
I just got back from opening my two hives. First hive has been established a year and is doing well. I had no problem working it, removed the honey super and got into the lower, all looks normal to my novice eye. Second hive is about two months old (a captured swarm). I haven't worked this hive much since I moved the swarm into the hive. I added a honey super about a month ago (same time I added to the other hive) and since my area is in severe drought I have been feeding them both. So, I've been refilling the feeders ever week or two.
Well, I got into the second hive (did not use smoke), looked around in the honey super, their building comb. Good! Removed the honey super and started pulling a frame from the lower. I was suited up but had forgot my hat and the head net was close to my face and I got hit. I didn't panic, I've been stung my fair share. Anyway, the hive seemed to explode, all of a sudden I was covered up and they were mad. Stinging my suit and gloves, then I got hit on the back of the head and decided to move away and let them calm down. Well, they followed me for 75 yards and still stinging my suit, etc. So, I walked about two hundred yards away and they left me alone. Gave them about 10 minutes and I went back to close that hive up. So, they got after me again. I closed the hive and left.
When I captured this swarm nor anytime since till now has this hive showed this kind of aggression. Does the forum think that maybe this was a fluke or ???
Thanks in advance