ashleybee 7 Posted March 11, 2011 Report Share Posted March 11, 2011 I lost 3 hives to woopeckers but all the rest look to be doing ok. I did combine 3 weaker nucs to some weaker hives a wise move I think ( maybe the first one I've ever had ) Just cleaned up about 100 supers and frames ready to go just a few spare hives to clean and the woodpecker damage to sort. I must admit I'm not usually this well prepared for the season feels like I'm missing someting out I'm normally running around like mad to get sorted. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BULLDOUG 199 Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 The woodpeckers are a nightmare in some places arnt they, i think i will unite weaker hives together next season myself (lesson learnt from last) I will be a happier person when its warm enough to check my royal ladies are alive and well. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Keswick 119 Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I havent had a problem with woodpeckers at all, which is a bit strange becuase the majority of mine are actually kept on the edge of a forest which is loaded with peckers of all types. I take it they just destroy the hives? Quote Link to post Share on other sites
iamduvern 62 Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I over wintered 2 nationals 1 didn't make it despite feeding fondant the other had a full super of rape honey that had set they seem to be ok I haven't started my regular inspections yet as Im waiting for the temp to rise a bit more I have registered with the local council so I might be able to pick up a swarm or two later in the year as prices for Nucs and full colonies seem to be on the up this year Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Keswick 119 Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 I over wintered 2 nationals 1 didn't make it despite feeding fondant the other had a full super of rape honey that had set they seem to be ok I haven't started my regular inspections yet as Im waiting for the temp to rise a bit more I have registered with the local council so I might be able to pick up a swarm or two later in the year as prices for Nucs and full colonies seem to be on the up this year Why not register on my site? There is a list of bee swarm collectors on there, google "bee swarm collectors uk" Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ashleybee 7 Posted March 12, 2011 Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 Green woodpeckers will only attak hives if they were taught to by thier parents which is why some places don't have trouble at all and others like me suffer them all the time Nice and warm today so I spent the morning checking on them, in most of them the queens are alreay laying and one hive has 3 frames with young brood and sealed brood on both sides I think its going to be good hive to breed from this season. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trapperman 474 Posted March 12, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 12, 2011 sat and watched the girls today for a bit they were very active at 11 oclock. they seem to have come through the winter o.k but yet to do first inspection to check on her maj. i have only the one hive with bees but want to split them to get a couple more this year i have 1 new hive empty and will get a couple more ready soon i also now have 3 empty top bar hives waiting for if i get some swarm calls, i`m not to worried about honey this being only my second year i just want to get more hives going strong before next winter. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
John Keswick 119 Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Bought myself a new hd camcorder so i thought i would try a bit of test footage on youtube! I know the entrance hole is too small before anyone says anything Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BULLDOUG 199 Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Bought myself a new hd camcorder so i thought i would try a bit of test footage on youtube! I know the entrance hole is too small before anyone says anything Thats brill that mate, looks like there getting some nice pollen from somwhere Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trappa 517 Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 John, that was brilliant! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trapperman 474 Posted March 17, 2011 Author Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Nice video john, i put a kilo of neopoll on mine today and they were well busy bringing in the same colour pollen as yours bright orangey/yellow. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ashleybee 7 Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 (edited) That looks like its going to be a good hive mate and I wouldn't worry too much about the size of that entrance as it still gets quite cold at times, all my hives only have an entrance about 1 3/4 inches and I prob won't open them up untill the end of march. I find with alot of hives in one place opening them up too soon leaves the weaker colonys open to robbing from the stronger ones. ATB Ashley Edited March 17, 2011 by ashleybee Quote Link to post Share on other sites
trappa 517 Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Any idea what the pollen is from? I havent a clue about beekeeping, i just cant see many flowers around here so need telling! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
ashleybee 7 Posted March 17, 2011 Report Share Posted March 17, 2011 Any idea what the pollen is from? I havent a clue about beekeeping, i just cant see many flowers around here so need telling! Prob from pussy willow, Daffodils or forthytia Just a guess though Quote Link to post Share on other sites
BULLDOUG 199 Posted March 21, 2011 Report Share Posted March 21, 2011 Well the suns splitting the trees here so im going in, wish me luck Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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