Michael, I built a 4 foot TBH using your specs. I'm new and I'll be introducing a 3 lb package in the next 2 weeks. My questions are:
1. When do I direct release the queen? Before shaking in the bees (will they land on her and crush her) or after shaking in the bees (where does she walk out of the queen cage when there are 10,000 bees inside?)
2. What's the right amount of top bars to remove for package install? All of my bars are 1.5" wide (I have 1/4" spacers when needed)
3. In the space where I'm dumping the bees, I'll be feeding 1:1 in an inverted jar with holes. The wood that I'll be elevating the jar with is 3/4" tall. Is that too tall? Can they angle their necks and proboscis that far up? I can sand the wood down if not.
4. How many (if any) drops of lemongrass essential oils would you recommend I drop onto the bottom board to encourage them to stay in their new home?
I've read your websites Do & Don'ts and I've decided NOT to spray sugar syrup on the package right before install despite every book I've read and YouTube video I've watched.
1. When do I direct release the queen? Before shaking in the bees (will they land on her and crush her) or after shaking in the bees (where does she walk out of the queen cage when there are 10,000 bees inside?)
2. What's the right amount of top bars to remove for package install? All of my bars are 1.5" wide (I have 1/4" spacers when needed)
3. In the space where I'm dumping the bees, I'll be feeding 1:1 in an inverted jar with holes. The wood that I'll be elevating the jar with is 3/4" tall. Is that too tall? Can they angle their necks and proboscis that far up? I can sand the wood down if not.
4. How many (if any) drops of lemongrass essential oils would you recommend I drop onto the bottom board to encourage them to stay in their new home?
I've read your websites Do & Don'ts and I've decided NOT to spray sugar syrup on the package right before install despite every book I've read and YouTube video I've watched.