Beesource Beekeeping Forums banner
Cancel

cover observation hives to keep out light?

2849 Views 9 Replies 6 Participants Last post by  brushwoodnursery, 
D
I manage a couple Draper rotating single-layer OHs for local schools. We rebuilt one the other day. After cleaning, we added new frames of comb, bees, new queen, lots of eggs and wet larvae. As we rolled in back inside, the bees became a little agitated. Within a couple hours they were flying around everywhere outside and running all over inside the hive. I suggested to the school that they cover the hive to keep much of the light. They did and soon the bees had calmed down and were behaving normally with no scampering all round inside and out. Is it best to keep them covered until there is a class present who needs to make observations? Then cover again when the class is over?
Save Share
Reply Quote
1 - 1 of 1 Posts
ruthiesbees

· Registered
Joined
·
3,172 Posts
#4 ·
When I had mine at the garden center where I work, when the hive first gets installed, we keep the sides covered for about 3 days as the bees get used to where the entrance is at. After that, they don't run around the inside all crazy like, but we do cover them in the evening when we go home. Not sure that we have to do that though.
 
1 - 1 of 1 Posts
Beesource Beekeeping Forums
A forum community dedicated to beekeeping, bee owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about breeding, honey production, health, behavior, hives, housing, adopting, care, classifieds, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
Bee Forum Beekeeping 101 Equipment/Hardware Diseases and Pests The Queen & Bee Breeding
Top