Friday 25 June 2010
Pete, our Bee Inspector, visited us today to take bee samples. He looked through our two hives and was pleased with the condition of the bees. The varroa mites which were evident in May (see May Diary) have reduced considerably with none to be seen on this inspection (obviously there will be some in the hive).
Tuesday 22 June 2010
Checked the supers in each of the two hives today. The bottom supers in both hives are drawn and ½ to ¾ full of honey. The second super in the hive with the old queen has some drawn frames but no honey yet. The second super in the hive with the new queen has not yet been drawn but hopefully the number of bees will increase slightly of the next couple of weeks so they can catch up with the other hive!
Saturday 12 June 2010
We hosted the 'At Home' today. The new queen was found in the first hive inspected and one of the experienced members marked her for us. Plenty of eggs and provisions in the hive. In the second hive there were slightly more bees and again the experienced beekeeper was able to spot the queen and mark her. Plenty of eggs, brood and provisions in the hive. An extra super was put on each hive.
Thursday 03 June 2010
We had a good look in the hives today. The queen cells in the hive that doesn't have a queen have hatched. There are still some larvae (probably in their fourth moult) and capped larvae in the brood chamber but I couldn't see any eggs which will be the case until the new queen starts laying (hopefully!). In the other hive there are plenty of larvae and capped cells as well as drone cells (didn't see many in the other hive). Couldn't see many eggs but might have missed them. The queen cells have been broken down. Both hives have a considerable amount of honey in the brood chambers and the supers are just under half full. We'll keep a eye on the supers and add to them as necessary.