Well... we did it

[ainsof]

Morning folks,

I'm very pleased to write that we hived our first package yesterday. Weather was beautiful. [img]smile.gif[/img]

Though we had to hold them Friday and Saturday, my wife immediatly took to hand feeding them a few times a day. Not sure why, but they would quickly calm down when she approached the package (syrup or not).

I'm not surprised, she's been a 'nature girl' for the twenty years we've known each other. Just didn't know she could work her magick with insects too!

She was also calm enough to stand about 6-10' from the hive and take pix (without gloves, veil, etc) while I was working. Only one gal dive-bombed her, then proceeded to explore her ponytail.

We figured since the queen had been in the package for 5 days, she'd be o.k., so I went the direct release route. She paused on the edge of a frame, then skittered down onto the foundation.

Has anyone ever seen their girls had built burr comb around the top of the feeder can? Sure made it's removal more difficult than expected, I can only image what it would have been like propolised.

Must admit, opening that package for the first time, and seeing them "loose" almost made me lose my cool ; I quickly remembered the fear pheromones, assumed mental "Jedi mode," and let my curiosity take over.

...Then there was the little explorer that climbed up my t-shirt sleeve... a little smoke, and she flew off, no sting!

I can now personally vouch for the "keebeeping-with-a-buddy" system. Nice to have another set of eyes watching your "back side" for explorers.

This was one of the coolest experiences I've ever had. Can't wait to take a peek next weekend!

[ainsof]

Oh yeah.. I almost forgot. We're starting them on small cell (with one frame of drone foundation for 'varroa-sicles').

I measured the dimensions of the cells on the burr comb from the package (per MB's website, Thanks MB!), and to my surprise, they were 5mm on the nose. (dial calipers)

I ordered them from R. Weaver, anyone know if they use SC?

[size="1"][ April 10, 2006, 11:58 AM: Message edited by: ainsof ][/size]

[Sundance]

Congrats!!! On small cell too. You won't regret that move.

They will build comb on almost anything.

Not sure about Weaver. but I doubt they are raised on SC. Hope some will.

And please define "hand feeding".....

[ainsof]

"Hand Feeding":

Instead of spraying them with 1:1 syrup, she fed them by gently painting the syrup on the sides of the package using a soft watercolour brush.

Mostly areas of open screen, then moving to another open area as the bees congregated .

Seemed to take forever to sate them, but she said it was a great way to relax. She'd also dip the brush and hold it up to the screen where they could suck it dry.

Contrary to one book I read, we had no visible loss of little bee feet or tongues. (no floaties in syrup cup)

She also talked to them. Might explain why they're so calm around her.

Late Sun. afternoon, 30 min. before hiving, we sprayed them (slowly, set to fine mist, and about 6" away from pkg) which they didn't mind at all.

[size="1"][ April 10, 2006, 03:44 PM: Message edited by: ainsof ][/size]

[Michael Bush]

They often build some comb in the package.

5.0mm is a very promising start. You do know the experts say that would not be the size an EHB would build don't you?

[ainsof]

It's NOT!?!?!

You suppose I should switch to Top-Bar and learn to speak Swahili or something?