Robbing

**bartrak** · 06-11-2011, 03:40 PM

Is there a way to feed sugar surp without the other bees robbing the weak hive. I have a top feeder installed. I have an entrance reducer with small hole exposed on the hive now. The colony that is robbing has one full super of honey on to of the two hive bodies and are working on the second honey super,but they are starting to fill it with sugar water which I don't want. I am considering moving the weak hive but would like to keep them all at one location if possible. All suggestions are welcome !!

**Peaches** · 06-11-2011, 03:49 PM

Do you have a honey flow on now? If so then I would suggest that you take the top board and inner board off the hive completely for a day. That would encourage the bees to remain home to guard their honey from other robbers. After a day, put the top back on and the bees will have gotten the idea that they need to pay attention to their own stores and not worry about someone else's. It works sometimes.

**bartrak** · 06-11-2011, 04:15 PM

The honey flow is very weak at present. I am afraid the weak hive don,t have enough bee to do the guarding they need to do. This was a small swarm that I caught and have since requeened them and they were starting to build pretty good. I was feeding all my hives(5) then stoping when they filled out the second hive body. I am still feeding three of them and the other two have started making honey on their own. Then the honey flow has slowed way down and the robbing has started. I am thinking of giving them a couple frames of brood from the strong hive and moving them if robbing don't stop.

**Peaches** · 06-11-2011, 04:41 PM

You may have to start feeding all of your colonies. If they have food closer than the next hive, then they may settle down.

Moving may be the answer. I have seven apiaries and only colonies left. I am basicly starting over. So I know how you are puttering along. It can get frustrating at times. Good luck and keep us posted.

**Rube63** · 06-11-2011, 06:01 PM

Take the top off the robbers hive and they'll have to protect their stuff and leave the others alone...

**bartrak** · 06-12-2011, 05:14 AM

I took the top off of the robber hive this am, will see what happens. How long should I leave it off?

**arcatamarcia** · 06-13-2011, 09:43 PM

Robber screens are effective. I use a modified version of this one. http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com/2...struction.html

**PCM** · 06-14-2011, 08:51 AM

Are they really being robbed ?

Old Robber Test;

This evening close off the entrance with #8 wire cloth, {screen wire will do } when they are all inside.
Tomorrow morning, look and see if any bees are trying to get into the hive, these are Robbers !

PCM