Printable View
I don't know if I used the correct term or not, but when a commercial beek drops off their hives for a growing season, do they expect or factor in a certain amount of hive losses? I heard it can be up to 50%? If that is the case, how often are the hives checked to see if they had absconded and if they have, do they replace with splits?
If it was 50% there would be no one doing pollination. we used to put about 500 out for apples. had some get mowed over but the biggest problem was swarming. never lost a total hive other than a guy that ran over two with a rotary mower. (how do say cheap labor) while the bees are out they are not checked until getting back to the home yards.
[QUOTE=Me Beeing Me;727034]I heard it can be up to 50%?
I agree with Beeware10. 50% hive losses is unsubstainable. Me Beeing Me, give me a call and come out to our bee yards, we have some less than a 1/2 hour from you, they are in Lincoln and Auburn. At the end of pollination season you should have a 50% increase not decrease.
Thanks, guys.
Steve - I would love to come out and visit with you a bit and pick your brain! You are right around the corner from me....
Number??
I'll send you a PM
I agree 50% is way too high. What about 10%? What about queen losses?
It depends what you are pollinating and how many pollinations you do a year.