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sorry, I've been busy with things... it took about 2 months, but the colony wasn't strong to begin with (relatively fresh swarm cut out of a water meter box). Even then, they probably would have made it except they swarmed a month after I installed them so there was a brood break as well :cry:Quote:
Originally Posted by BayHighlandBees
I know it's late to join in but I just got out to my 2nd yard to take off some empty feeders and wish the ladies a pleasant winter. I have 18 colonies, 11 hives and 7 nucs. All no treat...Only thing left to do is wrap.
John
Put me down for 80 colonies, mostly double nucs. Somewhat reluctantly treatment free, after 5 booming hives totally Absconded after inserting HopGuard strips:(
But the remaining colonies are strong , healthy and heavy-very content and settled in for fall.
No yellow jacket assault problems like last year.
I will check mite loads again soon and only treat if necessary.
I wish everyone good luck and a mild pleasant winter!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Miller...56954971040510
http://i425.photobucket.com/albums/p...P1010289-4.jpg
Hi Brian,
Not trying to be rude, but 2 months of abuse by yellow jackets is neglect on you're part. You knew the hive was weak. I'd like to suggest you look into making a couple robbing screens to use in the future when problems arise. I believe you could have easily saved that hive.
Sorry if I came of a little hostile, just want to give you alternatives for you're future management.
Quote:
Originally Posted by btmurph
Dan, the hive HAD robbing screening... and the entrance was reduced to about 2 bee-widths wide but the yj's overcame what little defense there was, and then finally there was no defense...
Put me down for 83 going in. Two are dweebs, but to be fair I am counting them. This afternoons project has been claimed by my helper.
http://i156.photobucket.com/albums/t...019_140333.jpg
Ok Olly, 83 it is. Where is that open hive?
Looks prity well sheltered from rain, leave it there until spring. In the spirit of the challenge.
Dan's right. Just leave it until spring unless you have a presentable hive to house them in.
That is some thick comb up top, wow!
In danger of losing 2 second year hives to mites already. Trying to save them. Not good. :eek:
1 die-out last week, seems to be queen failure without the bees raising a replacement. Started this with 13 so down to 12 now.
I'm in with 2 hives. One has mucho crawlers the other is being treated for EFB. Care to bet on those odds?
No worries, Charlie, I already know his full count!Quote:
Originally Posted by Charlie B
I made full disclosure in post #86. I plan to win this competition with as big a margin as I won the bait swarm contest. I see two 12 frame jumbos dead so Scut will have to help stack them on the survivors.
You are aware that the beekeeper who has the highest survival percentage wins right?Quote:
Originally Posted by odfrank
>We'll go by number of hives lost beginning October 1, 2012 thru March 1, 2013.
This is what you say in post #1. Clearly the man able to slaughter the most hives wins and that will be me. How else would I develop enough old black comb to win the 2013 Bait Hive Challenge?
:lpf:Quote:
Originally Posted by odfrank
BTW, it's ON in the spring. I'm determined to beat you in the 2013 swarm challenge. I'm dedicating this entire winter to building swarm traps. With Fuzzy's donation, I've got enough comb to compete!Quote:
Originally Posted by odfrank
I'm still at 7 with 2 of them being weak. One is very light, & wouldn't take feed. If I pull through this winter with 100% survival like I did the last two I'll be very surprised.