And this is my first experience with bees. Early on I was concerned that the package was dying - not a lot of traffic at the entrance. Bee's were coming and going at a rate of about 1 per second. And I'm of the philosophy of not opening the hive much, so other than removing the queen cage early on, I have not inspected the hive (a modified Warre design).
So today I'm observing the hive and the traffic is down right impressive. So many bee's coming and going that they have to wait their turn. So many bee's in the air that it's a bit intimidating for a newbee sitting 2 feet away with no protection - but I'm getting used to doing that.
While I've not confirmed eggs or brood - it makes sense that now would be when some of the first eggs were were becoming adult bees and the population would begin to grow for the first time. Anyway - only 2 more weeks and it'll be six weeks since install. If I still have a good population by then, then I know I'm good.
So today I'm observing the hive and the traffic is down right impressive. So many bee's coming and going that they have to wait their turn. So many bee's in the air that it's a bit intimidating for a newbee sitting 2 feet away with no protection - but I'm getting used to doing that.
While I've not confirmed eggs or brood - it makes sense that now would be when some of the first eggs were were becoming adult bees and the population would begin to grow for the first time. Anyway - only 2 more weeks and it'll be six weeks since install. If I still have a good population by then, then I know I'm good.