Our first hive here in NM! Slow to start though...

[tandiwe76]

We just got our first hive on July 17th - a nuc from the local bee-master.

So far, so good....however it seems there is not enough nectar flow in our area as the bees are very slowly drawing out comb on the 5th and 6th frames (2 weeks later).

Thinking about feeding to help them get going. Our bee guy says that we need two brood boxes full to get through the winter here.

Any suggestions? Anyone else had this experience?

Happy to have found such a great resource - thanks to everyone here!
Tandi

[ronnyclif]

feed them and hope for the best

[bhfury]

Welcome to the Forum. :applause:

[tandiwe76]

bhfury - how are things in Farmington? How many hives do you have? I'm interested hearing about how beekeepers in NM cope with our extremes of climate.

It seems that my hive is doing better - they are eating about 1/2 gal of syrup every 2 days, and there is lots of forager activity - lots of full pollen baskets on the returning bees.

I think a wave of brood has hatched, and the increased numbers are really helping to draw out the rest of the comb on this first deep. We also had a lot of rain last week and now more flowers.

How late does your season go in Farmington?

[bhfury]

Things in Farmington are starting to draw down. We must be in a dreath because the two hives I broke down today only had a few eggs. No queen cells so they are happy with them. A few pollen catchers out there and lost of pollen in the brood boxes. One of the hives is on its third super and the other is on its second. Right now, I have five hives and if they all make it through the winter I will split them. I would like to get up 25 next year.

Really the big problem here is overwintering. Russian and Carnies do great here and any local feral survival stock from swarms will usually make it as well. I have all three in my hives now.

If you need anything, this forum is great for answering questions. There aren't a whole lot of NM beeks here, so if you get in a bind email and I'll see how I can help. There are some very smart and seasoned beeks around Farmington I know. They keep me out of trouble!!!

Again welcome and thanks for the chat. Happy Beekeeping
Greg

[indypartridge]

Thinking about feeding to help them get going. Our bee guy says that we need two brood boxes full to get through the winter here.
Yes, feed them. I feed all new colonies until they have two brood boxes of drawn comb.

[tandiwe76]

bhfury-
Thanks for the info about your hives in Farmington, and the welcome! I'm interested to hear how your wintering goes, and if you make out with the 25 you're hoping for next year. We'd like to get about 6 going total next year.

I was fortunate to spend a day last week with the local bee master, Ken Hayes. He gives beekeeping courses, sells bees and nucs, and is a commercial beek. I couldn't believe how much I learned in a day, helping him with about 50 hives in Abq. He also has about 100 near T or C.

The only issue was - I got stung about 6 times, and didn't take much notice of it at the time. However I woke up in the middle of the night with itchy rashes all over!! It lasted about 2 days (uugghh!) I tried different things, but it really just had to run it's own course.

Anyways, short story is that I definitely appreciate my extremely gentle hive a lot more! :)

My hive is moving along much faster, building up numbers, and the queen is a great layer. Lots of new eggs and brood. I'm feeding constantly, and they're just about done drawing out the first deep. Hopefully we'll move into the second next week.

Thanks again!

[bhfury]

I'll let you know how they winter, but they should be fine.

Ken is a great guy. I've spent a few hours at his shop. He is very knowlegable and has some great stories. I almost bought some nucs from him last year, but found some local one instead.

Try to get stung every once in a while, it should help. An itchy rash and swelling near the sting sight is normal and tolerable. However, if it's all over your body that's another issue. You might want to talk that over with your dr. I try to get stung one a week or so... usually on a joint help my hands.

Good luck......