[biggraham610]

Hey I installed a new package a couple weeks ago. I gave them 4 frames fully drawn in the center followed by partially drawn to foundation on the outside two. Upon my first inspection I noticed everything was looking good, eggs larvae and capped brood. Have been feeding. I figured best to feed so they could pull the rest of the comb. I looked yesterday, and they had 3 frames of capped brood. The other full frame was full of "sugar nectar". they had finnished drawing the following frame, and some work on the others, but it had no eggs or larvae. I moved the "honey" out and the drawn frame in, It was like she wouldnt cross the "honey" to find drawn frame. Did I do the right thing? Should I stagger the brood with the partially drawn frames? Didnt see her. Thanks for any suggestions. G :scratch:

 

[Slow Drone]

Keep the honey to the outside feed frames and drawn comb in between the honey and the brood comb.They won't raise more brood than they can take care of.Sounds like they're doing what they need to be doing.

 

[biggraham610]

Thanks, thats what I figured. I still dont understand them not drawing out the frames. Seems like last year they drew frames like mad on new foundation. I figured I was giving them a good head start. Maybe once the hatch comes they will pick up the pace. Should I keep feeding?

 

[Slow Drone]

Keep on feeding absolutely.You're right they pick up the pace after the first brood emerge.Again they won't build more than they can cover or take care of.You're thinking and that's great!Sounds like you'll do well.Questions show me someone is thinking I like that!

 

[biggraham610]

Thanks Slow Drone, Guess I better go give em some syrup, I cut em off since I was stumped. Thanks again.:thumbsup:

 

[Jackam]

Guess I better go give em some syrup, I cut em off since I was stumped.

What were you thinking!?!

 

[bluegrass]

How is this situation a "Package problem"? Sounds like they are doing fine, just not doing what you want them to do, at the pace you want them to do it.

 

[biggraham610]

Well Bluegrass, I see now that it is not a problem. Thats what this forum is for no? I am new and it was different from my past experiences. Perhaps I should have titled the post, " This seems different than my past experience with package Bees. It has me a little concerned but I probably shouldnt be." Better?

 

[bluegrass]

The next time the Package bee Antis go off about how many problems people have with packages they will be sending me the lists of threads titled "Package Problems".... Now I have an extra one on a very long list to counter

 

[Mr.Beeman]

If there is a flow on... stop feeding. Bees know what to do. Feral bees do it all the time with no human intervention. Sit back, observe and relax.

 

[biggraham610]

Now I get it bluegrass, Thanks Mr Beeman.

 

[Mr.Beeman]

Any time.

 

[biggraham610]

How is this situation a "Package problem"? Sounds like they are doing fine, just not doing what you want them to do, at the pace you want them to do it.

Queenless, all frames filled with honey. saw a hatched queen cell, going to reduce them to a nuc and watch them, maybe she was out on her mating flight. About 5 good frames of bees. I guess I should give them 2-3 of the honey and make them draw comb for her assuming she comes back bred. Any Suggestions?

 

[Michael Bush]

Sounds like you fed them until they swarmed. This is a common occurrence caused by two erroneous ideas:

1) they will stop taking syrup when there is nectar available.
2) feeding can't hurt.

When you feed while they have nectar available you bypass many of the checks and balances of the hive. Instead of receiver bees controlling the amount of nectar coming in, you bypass this feedback mechanism with syrup in the hive. So they keep storing it until the queen has no where to lay and swarming is stimulated.

Maybe it's time to leave them alone for a while...

 

[biggraham610]

Maybe it's time to leave them alone for a while...

Thanks Michael, Actually I was in the hive yesterday and she had returned mated. I closed it up and moved on.