All has been calm in the Warre hive since the October robbing. I've elected to not install a new package of bees in the top bar hive this year and am thinking of selling it. I like the idea of a TBH but have not had the success I envisioned; however, one more year in Bend may make a difference. Once I have a suitable place for a hive, I probably will set it up and find a swarm to inhabit it. A side note: have been asked to give a presentation on bees at granddaughter's school in Bend and plan to use the empty hive to show children how it works--what an excellent way to introduce little people to the wonders of bees!
It was a mild winter here in the Independence area of the Willamette Valley in Oregon. I've been living between here and Bend, OR this winter so observed the hive every few weeks rather than daily as previously done. A few weeks ago, bees were flying and returning with bright yellow, pale yellow, and golden pollen. Yesterday, March 18, bees were still bringing back pollen and others were making orientation flights, an indication that brood had hatched, spent their hive days inside, and were now about to venture out on foraging missions.
The Warre hive entrance was blocked for the winter, leaving a oneing-bee space entrance. The block had been pushed out by early March, so I assume the bees no longer wanted it now that the warmer days have arrived. However, a week of cool, rainy days is forecast so I put the block back with 1" opening and added two rocks to hold it in place--will monitor to see if they move it again or need it opened further.
Have not looked into the hive, which has three boxes. Did lift the middle box and found it was not propolized to the lowest box, which indicates to me that they are not making comb in it yet. Will check for comb building next month or later. Plan to remove top box with honey stores sometime in June, if there is brood comb in second box...all a learning experience since this is a modified Warre, longer than the normally 12' square hive.
Met with the Central Oregon Beekeepers, a very nice group, and heard from Petra that minerals seem to help her bees and she is willing to give me some to try. It sounds reasonable to offer it and let the bees take it or not.
Looking forward to another bee season!
A repeat of the bee's life cycle:
A repeat of the bee's life cycle:
List of worker bee’s life/duties (from Beekeeping, A Seasonal Guide by Ron Brown)
0-4 days cell cleaning and incubation
3-12 days feed larvae
About 4th day power of stinging fully developed
Between 6th and 10th day orientation or nursery flight, usually around midday
6-15 days wax making and comb building
8-16 days reception and storage of nectar; packing pollen in cells
14-18 days entrance guard, debris clearance and funeral bearer duties
19th day begins to pay attention to bee dances
18-30/35 days foraging for nectar and pollen
25-30/35 days collecting propolis
