Inspection round 2

Doing work.

Sunday, May 6, 2012 today I went to check on the ladies. I brought my friend and future co beekeeper Jack. We discussed the possibilities of this venture on the way there and back. The plan as it exists right now is an increase of two hives, both from nucs purchased from a beekeeper in Granby. We will ride out to the Boston Honey Company next weekend to buy all the wooden ware and frames we need, and then, if they are ready, pick up the nucs the weekend after.

Capped brood, lots of Larva if you look close

This move stops me from having all medium hives, because the nucs come with deep frames. However the possibility of growing without putting out any more money seems pretty awesome, and right now it is worth it. We will split the harvest from the hive, but I am going to be doing most of the "work." If you love doing something is it work? Either way I'm psyched to keep going with this adventure.

The report from the hive is that all is going well at Acorn Hill. I smoked the bees and looked through the frames. I thought I would have to put on another box this afternoon however they haven't drawn out enough frames to put on another box. I think I can attribute this to both the lack of queen for a while, which resulted in a dwindling population. As well as poor weather over the past week or so. It has been cool, mostly in the fifties, and rainy.

I did see a bunch of capped brood and uncapped larva. It was a majestic sight. I couldn't see any eggs, but I didn't want to shake off bees from the frame because Jack was with me and he didn't have a veil. I figured larva and capped cells was evidence enough that the queen was still around. I didn't come across her the way I did last time.

Also I used a new pair thick vinyl like gloves and they worked really well. No squished bees or stings and I could manipulate the frames much easier. I think I'll continue to use these instead of the thick lamb skin ones I have been using.

Syrup stored with some spots of pollen

With brood production in full swing I checked out general activity, which was awesome, lots of bees sticking their heads into cells doing their thing. There are many cells full of syrup, nectar, and pollen. The bees are amazing the way they organize themselves and work. It gives me an interesting perspective about life. If humans weren't around these girls would be doing their thing, maybe even more productively.

Another inspection in the books. No stings and I told my ladies to get ready for some company.