[Pinchecharlie]

I am brand new and have two 5 frame nuc's in eight frame deeps. We live in bozeman , which has had cold and rain all spring, just now it's hot. My questions; are we so far behind that it's just now spring? Or do our bees need polar fleece and fly in forty degree weather? I ask because the bees are not making much new comb and I've been feeding them but they hardly touch it. There are larva and capped brood so don't suspect queen issues just wonder about available forage and our weather? Thanks for your opinions

 

[TNTBEES]

We live just down the road, between Belgrade and Manhattan. Relax you will be just fine. There is still 2-1/2 months of foraging left. They aren't using the syrup
because they would rather have the natural stuff. They won't use syrup as long as there is a nectar flow. I am busy making nuc's right now to overwinter. Just make sure that the queen is making lots of brood and that they aren't back filling the brood chamber with nectar. She should be laying like crazy right now.

 

[Bee Whisperer]

Pinchecharlie; TNTBEES is right on. I live in Missouri now, but I was born and raised up there. Montana is still my home.

We too have had a long cool and rainy spring. Unlike last year, when I had one harvest in already, the ladies are just now able to do their thing. What kind do you have? My Russians are the slowest to start, but they will build up quick, yet they don't afford me much honey. The Italians, on the other hand, start out quicker, and they are just now built up to the point of bringing in a good amount of stores.

All my family is still up there, and they have reported the same weather, but hang in there, they will grow quickly now that it is warming up. Also, even though they are nucleus starts, they still have a ways to go in order to produce. You may get some honey this year, but if they over-winter well, they will be awesome next year.

Are you right in Bozeman? There should still be lots for the bees to collect; regardless of the main spring flow.

 

[Pinchecharlie]

We live just down the road, between Belgrade and Manhattan. Relax you will be just fine. There is still 2-1/2 months of foraging left. They aren't using the syrup
because they would rather have the natural stuff. They won't use syrup as long as there is a nectar flow. I am busy making nuc's right now to overwinter. Just make sure that the queen is making lots of brood and that they aren't back filling the brood chamber with nectar. She should be laying like crazy right now.

Thanks, sounds good. Just a new guy over thinking things. Anyway I could get some experience with you ? Free labor! Thanks again

 

[justin]

it is a shorter season and some of the stuff you hear others doing doesn't work well here. if your hives are a certain size by a certain time they will do great,(big hives during these first hot days before everything dries out), otherwise it can feel like you are just trying to get enough population to winter. most years you need to have the kinks worked out mid june and be pushing them to find out which hives (or if a hive) is going to produce. it also helps if you can pinpoint when good plants bloom, if its warm enough to fly.

 

[Pinchecharlie]

it is a shorter season and some of the stuff you hear others doing doesn't work well here. if your hives are a certain size by a certain time they will do great,(big hives during these first hot days before everything dries out), otherwise it can feel like you are just trying to get enough population to winter. most years you need to have the kinks worked out mid june and be pushing them to find out which hives (or if a hive) is going to produce. it also helps if you can pinpoint when good plants bloom, if its warm enough to fly.

Yeah Iam way behind more a grow to survive thing now I think. Another learning curve to develop! Happy 4 th my friend hope you and the family are enjoying it! Cheers !!

 

[Bee Whisperer]

Pinchecharlie;

There is a lot of difference between Bozeman and Mineral County. Just sayin . . .

There is a huge commercial beekeeper up there on the border of Glacier National Park; Glacier County Honey Co. and Chief Mountain Honey Co. They are operated by the Fullerton family in Glacier County, Montana. Call them. See what they advise.

 

[MT Don]

Join the Gallatin Valley Beekeepers Club and get local information that pertains to your situation. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/gallatin_valley_beekeepers/

 

[Pinchecharlie]

Join the Gallatin Valley Beekeepers Club and get local information that pertains to your situation. http://pets.groups.yahoo.com/group/gallatin_valley_beekeepers/

Thanks for the reply! I've allready joined and look forward to meeting local beekeepers! Thanks again