Notes from our Apiary:
We've had a couple of swarms leave, which depleated one of our larger colonies. Sadly, we had a rather cooler and wetter week in May and that meant that we were unable to check on them. I'm almost certain that the congestuon caused by fewer bees flying for this time had a role to play.
Upon opening the hives the week after we did have several virgin queens, which we used to queenright one of our others and create two new colonies. Since then our bees are doing well. One hive we did a shook swarm on last week, which we hope will draw out decent comb unlike how it had built out previously. They've got plenty of stores as they've got two supers.
Our other three colonies also seem to be doing well with mated queens in all of them. With the recent rainfall and so much in bloom, there is a fair nectar flow on at the moment.
I will update you all again soon with how they're doing...Josh
Amandas Beekeeping notes ...
How different this year is to this time last year... when I had been suffering with rainy weather, poor queen mating, slow nectar flow or the bees not wanting to go out to collect it. This year, touch wood, is going to be one I will remember for a while with a smile, and that includes being at home more to look after them....
More here
|