I've been a lurker and an information sponge until now. I'm hoping for some input so I don't make any big mistakes.
Here's the situation. A local tree trimmer took out a big walnut. Turns out it was hollow and has a good sized colony living in it. The tree has been taken down and moved to a log yard. For the most part the colony is intact and the cluster looks good but is now laying horizontal instead of the vertical position it was formerly in. I was offered a chance to save the bees if I want to and am hoping I can.
This evening after work I sealed up both open ends with plywood and screws. I sealed a cut through the log nearest the comb with caulk. The big end is about 4' across and the small end is about 2'. I propped the small end opening open a little so the bees can get in and out as needed, but it won't be open to flowing air. Before closing it up I gave them about 7 pounds of bee sugar blocks just in case they were getting low on stores. At this point they should be protected from the cold wet mixed precipitation that's predicted for the next 3 days.
Our weather is supposed to warm to 58F on Sunday and about the same on Monday then dive back down to winter temps through at least the next 10 days.
My big question.....Do I jump in and do a cut-out on Sunday when temps are in the 50s and get them in a hive box that's more protected as our weather rides the roller coaster to spring or do I just leave them alone and work on the cut-out when temps are warmer?
The trimmer is very pro bee and said we can leave them in the log yard as long as needed to hive them.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
thanks.............Chris
Here's the situation. A local tree trimmer took out a big walnut. Turns out it was hollow and has a good sized colony living in it. The tree has been taken down and moved to a log yard. For the most part the colony is intact and the cluster looks good but is now laying horizontal instead of the vertical position it was formerly in. I was offered a chance to save the bees if I want to and am hoping I can.
This evening after work I sealed up both open ends with plywood and screws. I sealed a cut through the log nearest the comb with caulk. The big end is about 4' across and the small end is about 2'. I propped the small end opening open a little so the bees can get in and out as needed, but it won't be open to flowing air. Before closing it up I gave them about 7 pounds of bee sugar blocks just in case they were getting low on stores. At this point they should be protected from the cold wet mixed precipitation that's predicted for the next 3 days.
Our weather is supposed to warm to 58F on Sunday and about the same on Monday then dive back down to winter temps through at least the next 10 days.
My big question.....Do I jump in and do a cut-out on Sunday when temps are in the 50s and get them in a hive box that's more protected as our weather rides the roller coaster to spring or do I just leave them alone and work on the cut-out when temps are warmer?
The trimmer is very pro bee and said we can leave them in the log yard as long as needed to hive them.
Any input would be greatly appreciated.
thanks.............Chris