Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: JackM on March 04, 2014, 08:51:53 am

Title: doing better I think
Post by: JackM on March 04, 2014, 08:51:53 am
Well entering my 3rd year.  Only had 25% loss this year compared to 50% last year.  Bees are building early it seems.  I have lots of heather that has been blooming and they are all over that.  We had a warm spell between downpours yesterday and they were bringing in full pollen baskets, I assume alder because that is about all I can see that has any pollen now.  Fruitless plums about to explode, so not too much longer.  Tulips and crocus growing well. 

Funny the hive that died, was my oldest queen, and lost her apparently part way into winter.  They had used about half the supply of honey I left them.  But the hive I expected to loose, since it was a late swarm that lost a queen and had to make one, is gangbusters.

So, KathyP, my offer still holds for bees, I can give you one hive to help you out.
Title: Re: doing better I think
Post by: Thershey on March 04, 2014, 12:32:06 pm
Hello Jack - I'm just on the other side of the county from you in Battle Ground, thought I would say hello.  I've been experiencing the same activity for a couple weeks now, loads of pollen on the dry days where we touch 50 on the thermometer. I think some was Filbert but I just wasn't sure.  I just started my first two hives last summer, both appear to have made it through alive and well, very excited.  For 50 years all I've thought about this time of year is "Spring Chinook are almost here", this year every waking minute seems to be filled thinking about my bees and the exciting summer ahead.  Have a good week.

Title: Re: doing better I think
Post by: Kathyp on March 04, 2014, 01:04:19 pm
jack, thanks.  i'll get in touch with you a little later in the year.  we are still plenty cold up here.  had some chunky rain yesterday and the day before   :-D  i'm hoping it will be a good swarm year and i'll be able to do some rebuilding with that also.

Title: Re: doing better I think
Post by: Joe D on March 04, 2014, 01:15:40 pm
Good going Jack and Thershey with your colonies over the winter.  I lost one, believe it was due to the older queen also.  Hope you have a great swarm season Kathy.  Good luck to all and your bees too.




Joe