Visit from the local beekeeper

[3gooddogs]

I was lucky enough to get a surprise visit from a local beekeeper that has been in the business for over 30 years.

My first question was why is my Italian hive not drawing foundation or doing much of anything. Well of course he says that our honey flow is done! And they will not make wax if there is no nectar coming in. So this weekend he will be coming out to look at what I have done. So, that means that I will remove the honey super and feed for a bit of time. hopefully queenie will be able to lay in the new foundation that I placed in the hive last week. Goes to show that remembering the basic rules is the best default option.

It is good to get advice from beekeepers that are in the local area that you are in. Does not do too well to take word for word advice from keepers that are in the south when you raise bees in the north/bananna belt.

Just my thoughts.

Nikki

[Chef Isaac]

what was his name?

[tecumseh]

nikki writes:
it is good to get advice from beekeepers that are in the local area that you are in. Does not do too well to take word for word advice from keepers that are in the south when you raise bees in the north/bananna belt.

tecumseh suggest: 1) since every location is different good beekeeping by the nature of things is very local. 2) no matter what the source of information... old beekeeper, young beekeeper, sourthern beekeeper or yankee beekeeper... all information should be taken with a grain of salt and it would profit all to be always sceptical. even us old guys don't have all the answers... matter of fact some of us are just now trying to get a handle on what the questions are....

[Chef Isaac]

especially tec!

[riverrat]

what was his name?

Come on chef dont be so modest. Everyone knows you be the old beekeep in washington We just wasnt aware you made house calls.

[Chef Isaac]

do I get extra pay for that?

[gingerbee]

I think feeding will help. I have a super that has new foundatiuon and they aren't drawing it out. We are in a dearth here and I think that's why. Noticed robbing going on, am going to feed all hives, reduce entrances.

I also replaced old comb with new foundation in a weak hive and fed recently. When I went back and looked they were drawing out the new foundation. Also, if comb is drawn out in some frames but not all take the drawn frames and put them to the outside of super, frames with foundation to the center. maybe this will help too. Good luck!

[3gooddogs]

So, this afternoon I removed the honey super that I placed on like a month ago. Put a box in the middle and put on some suryp, because after two weeks they are not drawing out the foundation. So, that is where I am.:confused: