Inspection / Few Other Questions

[Hambone]

Ok. Im one week in. I have checked and fed my new hive twice. I am going to go out tomorrow and do some feeding. And from my last couple of post w/ pics. Things seem to look pretty good. Here come the questions.

How often do you inspect the hive. Full inspection ect...

At my last inspection I noticed some clear liquid in the base of alot of combs. Seemed to be more than a just a drop. Are they storing my syrup or is that R.J.

Since they are bringing in lots of pollan, should I stop feeding now?

I know these are pretty stupid questions for most of you. But I am one of those A-holes that jumped in head first. I did get in my first couple of books and have read most of M.B.'s site. But hands on is the only way to go.

[Michael Bush]

As a newbee, you'll probably inspect more than necessary. I would check on a new package every couple of weeks as they can grow explosively and in our erratic climate I don't like to give them too much room to take care of in April. But for me checking is pretty much a quick glance and adding a box if they need it. With new packages, if they were queenless they would have moved next door (assuming there is a next door). As a newbee, on the other hand, you should probably look for eggs and larvae so you can learn about them.

[Hambone]

I probably do look more than necessary. I went on Saturday. To check feed and such. Seems to be doing just fine. I looked real close and saw some eggs. I don't plan on going back until Wednesday evening. Should I expect to see some larve or capped brood?

[Michael Bush]

Eggs hatch in three and a half days. They are capped in 9 days (from the when the egg is layed). Those eggs could have been anywhere from 0 days old to three days old.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesmath.htm