I have just got my bees last Thursday. I put them in an eight frame Langstroth hive. I ordered Russian VSH bees for my first time. I put them in and put a top feeder on. I been out there every day since watching them. I have noticed yesterday that there was a lot more activity around and in the entrance. I believe that the queen is out. The way they were acting it seems that they are really going to work. I made a mistake and didn't put anything in the top feeder for them to stand on and opened it and noticed a site of about 200 bees drowned. I put in some screen to stop that from happening again. Is it ok to check the feeder every other day? I can't wait till Thursday to open up the hive and see what they are really up to. These bees seem very gentle. I sit only two to three feet away watching them and they just land on me once in a while and fly off. When I hived the package, I put my veil on, no gloves, short sleeve shirt, and only got one little bit on my wrist. I don't even think the stinger stayed. When I check the feeder I don't even wear my veil. Now this is my first hive, but I feel very comfortable with these bees. I want four hives by the end of the year, is that possible? I live in Alabama. Or should I wait till next April to start new hives after this on gets established? I have read about thirty books on the subject of beekeeping, and feel comfortable when it comes down to this exciting adventure. I am already so excited, all my co-workers now about them and just keep asking me about my bees. Thanks. Dan. Alabama Beekeeper
