Joined
·
3,800 Posts
Does anyone see any problems with the following super simple method of package installation? I used it a few years ago and it worked fine - however temps were in the 70s then as opposed to the mid 40s currently.
1) remove cover, syrup can and queen cage from package
2) hang queen cage in center of hive
3) remove 3 or 4 frames from one side of hive
4) place package with bees in the space - hole side up and open
5) after a few days, remove now empty package and replace frames
This year I will be using drawn frames from dead-outs. It is still a bit cold here so I will feed with fondant on the frame tops rather than syrup through the hole in the inner cover. There will be some sort of rim to make room for the fondant.
My one concern is will bees leave the package quickly enough at these temperatures to tend to the queen and keep her warm?
I have 8 packages to install.
1) remove cover, syrup can and queen cage from package
2) hang queen cage in center of hive
3) remove 3 or 4 frames from one side of hive
4) place package with bees in the space - hole side up and open
5) after a few days, remove now empty package and replace frames
This year I will be using drawn frames from dead-outs. It is still a bit cold here so I will feed with fondant on the frame tops rather than syrup through the hole in the inner cover. There will be some sort of rim to make room for the fondant.
My one concern is will bees leave the package quickly enough at these temperatures to tend to the queen and keep her warm?
I have 8 packages to install.