Just want to updated everyone on the bee tree.
We tried to trim the tree down to the smallest possible and take it home but was unsuccessful due to 1. The tree was so entangled in some overgrowth that it wouldn't fall. 2. My chainsaw locked up halfway thru the project. (I was so ticked)
So we ended up having to do a cutout with a batt operated sawzall from the owner.
We tied the brood comb into the frames and setup the new hive in front of the tree with the entrance facing the tree. They all marched in as pretty as you please.
I left the hive there for two days and picked it up last night.
I went out today to check on them and to verify the queen was there and in working order.
I found her on the 9th frame working about.
Here's another pic of her big ole booty: :-D
I think this is what JP calls tiger striped in his videos? I'm not really for sure.
These were extremely gently bees. For the most part the only time I got popped was due to me squishing the bees between my fingers (they got me 3 times right above the cuticle of the fingernail, DANG that hurts). Other than that one puff at the entrance is all thats needed (if that).
I have never had bees of my own, and this is my first hive and experience on my own and I feel very comfortable with their demeanor. I am very pleased with them and I am tickled to death to have my own now and know that I got them from a cutout I did.
Thank you all for your help and suggestions,
James