Bee Keeps?'s

[Bocefus78]

Start checking on queen availability now, but you probably won't know anything for another few days.

From the above link....


Queen Cell Development
- The earliest you can identify a viable queen cell is when it is already 3 days old - an egg in a queen cup does not necessarily mean it will become a queen cell. The critical decision for the colony is made when the egg hatches out (Day 3) and the nurse bees start to feed the larva with royal jelly. A queen cup with a pool of royal jelly and a tiny larva in it will almost inevitably be taken full term to become a sealed queen cell. Sealing takes place on Day 8, ie. the larval feeding period is just 5 days. Once queen cells are sealed it is difficult to know how old they are without breaking one open to take a look. There are usually cells covering a range of ages present, so you really need to look at several cells in different part of the hive to be sure.
Emergence of queen cells occurs on
Day 16
, ie. 8 days after Sealing. A newly emerged queen cell usually has a hinged lid attached but it is also quite common for the bees to close the lid and reseal it - look for a line round the tip of the cell (a sort of ‘tear here’ line). You may be surprised to find an occupant in such cells; usually it is a worker bee that has gone in to do a bit of cleaning work and has been sealed in by some tidy-minded sister. If the bee is head-down in the cell it will be a worker but, if it is head-up, it will be a queen and she will just be waiting for you to open the cell for her to walk out. Again, do not panic and kill her! Let her walk off into the colony because this is an extremely easy (even advantageous) situation to resolve (see Step 7 below).

 

[smokinj]

Start checking on queen availability now, but you probably won't know anything for another few days.

From the above link....


Queen Cell Development
- The earliest you can identify a viable queen cell is when it is already 3 days old - an egg in a queen cup does not necessarily mean it will become a queen cell. The critical decision for the colony is made when the egg hatches out (Day 3) and the nurse bees start to feed the larva with royal jelly. A queen cup with a pool of royal jelly and a tiny larva in it will almost inevitably be taken full term to become a sealed queen cell. Sealing takes place on Day 8, ie. the larval feeding period is just 5 days. Once queen cells are sealed it is difficult to know how old they are without breaking one open to take a look. There are usually cells covering a range of ages present, so you really need to look at several cells in different part of the hive to be sure.
Emergence of queen cells occurs on
Day 16
, ie. 8 days after Sealing. A newly emerged queen cell usually has a hinged lid attached but it is also quite common for the bees to close the lid and reseal it - look for a line round the tip of the cell (a sort of ‘tear here’ line). You may be surprised to find an occupant in such cells; usually it is a worker bee that has gone in to do a bit of cleaning work and has been sealed in by some tidy-minded sister. If the bee is head-down in the cell it will be a worker but, if it is head-up, it will be a queen and she will just be waiting for you to open the cell for her to walk out. Again, do not panic and kill her! Let her walk off into the colony because this is an extremely easy (even advantageous) situation to resolve (see Step 7 below).

I order another queen. Can they even make a queen without one?

 

[Bocefus78]

I order another queen. Can they even make a queen without one?

Yep. If you have eggs that is. If you have egg cells, I'd hold off on buying one for a few more days and check again (daytime when warm). She may still be there. Very easy to miss....especially if being stung lol.

Read this. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-hives-queen-bee.html

 

[smokinj]

Yep. If you have eggs that is. If you have egg cells, I'd hold off on buying one for a few more days and check again (daytime when warm). She may still be there. Very easy to miss....especially if being stung lol.

Read this. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/what-to-do-if-you-lose-your-hives-queen-bee.html

It will not ship until mid-april. I went ahead and got on the waiting list. My gut filling is she didn't make it. I been in there 3 times now, but what would happen if there became 2 queens? Oh and I also know what the term Bee line means now!

 

[Bocefus78]

If there are 2 queens, one of 2 things will happen. 1. A queen will swarm and take some of your bees away, or 2. they will fight to the death and eventually, the strongest survives.

 

[smokinj]

If there are 2 queens, one of 2 things will happen. 1. A queen will swarm and take some of your bees away, or 2. they will fight to the death and eventually, the strongest survives.

That's what my dad said.....I am still thinking option 3. the other queen is already dead. Anyway I go its a crap shoot! Now would you go with 2 queens are better than done?

 

[mattjm1017]

That's what my dad said.....I am still thinking option 3. the other queen is already dead. Anyway I go its a crap shoot! Now would you go with 2 queens are better than done?

Chances are slim to none that two queens will occupy one hive. Its happened before but Ive only seen it in large feral colonies that are 15ft up in a hollowed out tree. Like Bocefus said they'll swarm or fight to the death. Usually they'll swarm before the new queen is even hatched out. I would highly recommend you find a local bee club that you can meet with they will be a wealth of knowledge and help. Also check out http://www.beesource.com/ this a great online source of info.

 

[smokinj]

Chances are slim to none that two queens will occupy one hive. Its happened before but Ive only seen it in large feral colonies that are 15ft up in a hollowed out tree. Like Bocefus said they'll swarm or fight to the death. Usually they'll swarm before the new queen is even hatched out. I would highly recommend you find a local bee club that you can meet with they will be a wealth of knowledge and help. Also check out http://www.beesource.com/ this a great online source of info.

I am understanding what two queens mean. I need to know more about 0 queens. I check 4 times now and cant find the queen.

 

[mattjm1017]

Do you have any eggs,larvae capped brood? Those are signs of a queens presnce. Are the brood patterns correct or irregular is there honey and necter mixed in amongst the brood these are signs of noqueen. If theres no queen you can order a queen or get a frame from another beek with eggs and larvae on it so they will make a new one. Also another thing to check for is queen cells. Something may have happened to your queen and they may have started to make one already. Go through again and slowly carefully check for her and queen cells she can be tricky to find. Ill go weeks without seeing my queens but as long as everything looks right I don't worry.

 

[smokinj]

Do you have any eggs,larvae capped brood? Those are signs of a queens presnce. Are the brood patterns correct or irregular is there honey and necter mixed in amongst the brood these are signs of noqueen. If theres no queen you can order a queen or get a frame from another beek with eggs and larvae on it so they will make a new one. Also another thing to check for is queen cells. Something may have happened to your queen and they may have started to make one already. Go through again and slowly carefully check for her and queen cells she can be tricky to find. Ill go weeks without seeing my queens but as long as everything looks right I don't worry.

I have a window that I can see through as well. Seems they are not using the top bars at all there on the side of the box. Also I notice quit a few dying off and its kind of like there fighting each other? (Very active at the entrance but bees at the holes seem to keep the flow at a minimum) Top bars have bees wax on them already.

 

[mattjm1017]

I have a window that I can see through as well. Seems they are not using the top bars at all there on the side of the box. Also I notice quit a few dying off and its kind of like there fighting each other? (Very active at the entrance but bees at the holes seem to keep the flow at a minimum) Top bars have bees wax on them already.

That almost sounds like robbing activity which could mean theres no queen or they are just weak. The biggest thing to look for is brood, larvae, eggs that will let you know theres a queen. Check out http://www.beesource.com/ the people on there can help you more than I can and youll probably meet someone local to you. Also you should check out the Indiana state beekeepers association http://indianabeekeeper.com/ I see that there are some meetings they have in Anderson.

 

[smokinj]

That almost sounds like robbing activity which could mean theres no queen or they are just weak. The biggest thing to look for is brood, larvae, eggs that will let you know theres a queen. Check out http://www.beesource.com/ the people on there can help you more than I can and youll probably meet someone local to you. Also you should check out the Indiana state beekeepers association http://indianabeekeeper.com/ I see that there are some meetings they have in Anderson.

Looks like I will be going back in! I I have been watching those recourses. I have a couple beekeeper I know but there both over 60 miles away and hard to reach by phone.

Good Info you gave. My plan will be to split the hive if I have too. (Queens already order and will be here by april 15)

 

[smokinj]

Ok after talking to a bee keeper final got ahold of him. mattjm1017 your dead on. He also said to increase food supply x 4, and I have a smoker box coming with a jacket. Should bee back in the hive Monday or Tuesday will give you update on what I find. Second bee hive I will start on tonight just in case.

 

[mattjm1017]

Ok after talking to a bee keeper final got ahold of him. mattjm1017 your dead on. He also said to increase food supply x 4, and I have a smoker box coming with a jacket. Should bee back in the hive Monday or Tuesday will give you update on what I find. Second bee hive I will start on tonight just in case.

I didn't realize you had two hives hows the second one look compared to the trouble hive? Having more than one is good so you have a comparison. Have you seen the queen in the other hive or at least good sign of her. If the other hive has a queen and is doing good you should be able to take a frame of eggs brood and larvae from that one and put it in the troubled one so they can make a new queen. Another thing to keep in mind is the weather its generally not a good idea to go through a hive unless the temp outside is at least above 55* the cold air can really bother them ladies.

 

[smokinj]

I didn't realize you had two hives hows the second one look compared to the trouble hive? Having more than one is good so you have a comparison. Have you seen the queen in the other hive or at least good sign of her. If the other hive has a queen and is doing good you should be able to take a frame of eggs brood and larvae from that one and put it in the troubled one so they can make a new queen. Another thing to keep in mind is the weather its generally not a good idea to go through a hive unless the temp outside is at least above 55* the cold air can really bother them ladies.

Second one needs built but I got a few days before I get the second queen. So, my plan is to play both sides. If, the old queen is alive I will start the second hive. If not I will start my second hive in a couple months.

 

[mattjm1017]

Second one needs built but I got a few days before I get the second queen. So, my plan is to play both sides. If, the old queen is alive I will start the second hive. If not I will start my second hive in a couple months.

Ok I see. Without looking at your hive it does seem that you are queenless so it would probably be a safe bet to go ahead and introduce the new queen. If your queen is still there and shes not doing what shes supposed to do she should be replaced. If your going to start a second hive you will need to get more bees either from a local beek or a package either way will come with a queen what you could do is get the one hive up and running and doing good and then do a split to start a new hive I did several splits with my hives and a friends a couple weeks ago its a quick and easy way to get a second hive. I don't have much experience with top bar hives right now I just use langstroths but am planning on getting a top bar next year. I hope the new queen works for you keep us posted here. Beekeeping is one of the best and most rewarding hobbies Ive gotten into.

 

[smokinj]

Ok I see. Without looking at your hive it does seem that you are queenless so it would probably be a safe bet to go ahead and introduce the new queen. If your queen is still there and shes not doing what shes supposed to do she should be replaced. If your going to start a second hive you will need to get more bees either from a local beek or a package either way will come with a queen what you could do is get the one hive up and running and doing good and then do a split to start a new hive I did several splits with my hives and a friends a couple weeks ago its a quick and easy way to get a second hive. I don't have much experience with top bar hives right now I just use langstroths but am planning on getting a top bar next year. I hope the new queen works for you keep us posted here. Beekeeping is one of the best and most rewarding hobbies Ive gotten into.

Yea your way advance on me. I have a beekeeper coming over when he can. I just decided I would prepare for what ever could happen. I think I am right with the no-queen though. I have a suite and smoker that will bee here Saturday or Monday at the latest. (Then at least I will have enough time to look good) Queen will be shipped the 15th of April.

 

[smokinj]

Ok, Update there making lots of comb but the comb is emtpty and dry (can only see other edge) But there is 4 good size combs and 2 more started(Got a good look today). Is the queen there or not???????

OK another update: After talking to a bee keeper he says its good. He thinks the queens there if not by now they had time to hatch another one. It takes 17 days(They been in since the 6th). Bees are doing everything they should and using to top bars. SHHHHHH! Makes me feel a lot better.

 

[Bocefus78]

I think you will be good. I figured she was in there. Now stay the hell out of there and let em do their thing lol! Sounds like you need another hive to go with your 2nd queen!

 

[smokinj]

I think you will be good. I figured she was in there. Now stay the hell out of there and let em do their thing lol! Sounds like you need another hive to go with your 2nd queen!

I am hoping I got it cxl in time. If not the saw stop will be up and running by Sunday I hope.....I want another hive but don't this fast.............(Going through couple gallons of sugar water a week now)

 

[smokinj]

Oh and I do have a 36x6 inch window, so I am not going into the hive. Its still hard to make out what's going on do to glare.

 

[mattjm1017]

I am hoping I got it cxl in time. If not the saw stop will be up and running by Sunday I hope.....I want another hive but don't this fast.............(Going through couple gallons of sugar water a week now)

Their taking that much sugar water? How is the weather there is spring coming up for you or is it still wintery? Also how are you feeding them that just seems like a lot of feed. I sure hope you have a queen sounds like things are turning around. She can be pretty tricky to find especially if she's not in the hive. I thought I had lost mine a couple weeks ago turns out she had been in my tool bucket for a week now she's back in and everything is good, but that sure had me worried there for a bit. Don't worry to much the bees know what they're doing all we do is try to manage them and then steal all their hard made honey.

 

[smokinj]

Their taking that much sugar water? How is the weather there is spring coming up for you or is it still wintery? Also how are you feeding them that just seems like a lot of feed. I sure hope you have a queen sounds like things are turning around. She can be pretty tricky to find especially if she's not in the hive. I thought I had lost mine a couple weeks ago turns out she had been in my tool bucket for a week now she's back in and everything is good, but that sure had me worried there for a bit. Don't worry to much the bees know what they're doing all we do is try to manage them and then steal all their hard made honey.

I Iam running a 1/2 gallon ball jar and a qt jar so 3/4 of a gallon at a time. I Change that out about every 36-48 hrs. Weather been pretty good the last 10 days or so. Ave Probally around 65 days and 40 at nights. I have all 3 holes opened and a nice swarm going all day long. They have produce 4 nice combs and another two small ones.

 

[Bocefus78]

Once we actually see some nice sunny 70+ degree days, you will really see some activity. Pollen count around here is still pretty low compared to previous years.

On another note, if you line the bottom of your hive with white butcher paper next time you are in there, (not sure if you can with your hive type- I used normal box hives), it helps to spot mites and diagnose disease if the need ever arises. Counting dead ones every hive entry, and making a journal to record the data also lets you know when something is up inside the box that shouldn't be (if the # sharply rises). Hopefully it doesn't and the only trouble you have is not having enough hive room! Better start looking for a honey extractor soon lmao. You wanna talk about a sticky mess, wow!

 

[lukem]

Watching the thread. My 6 year old son is obsessed with bees. He's been out catching them so he can "get honey for all of us to eat". He doesn't even like honey...just wants to provide for the family. I hate to see that enthusiasm go to waste so I might have to put out a hive next year. My BIL owns the 20 acre field across the street. Going to be permanent clover mix pasture and alfalfa hay so they should have plenty to eat.