How long has the second box been on?
Yah. That's what I'm learning too. The question is, now that it's on there, is it OK to remove? Now that I think about it, I'm assuming that they started to build in there. Otherwise, if it's empty, I guess I didn't even need to post the question. I just want to get my head on straight before I open the hive.I am new this year also but feel confident in saying that everything I have been told say's to wait until the first box is 70 to 80% drawn. That's 7-8 frames. Then add the second box. I have also been told when adding the second box, move 1 frame up from the first box to entice them up faster.
A week. It's a brandy new hive. I'm not sure where they decide to start building initially. I just assumed (for no good reason) that they'd build from the bottom up because the queen was installed in the bottom.Holly said:How long has the second box been on?
You ain't kidding. I don't have any protective gear other than a hat and veil so during installation I was moving in slow motion (I had to replace those 4 missing frames into a space I had filled with bees). Serious adrenaline rush... it was very intense for me. I'm a bit less worried about the queen and more so about me!Move gently and slowly and learn about not taking busy middle frames in and out without first getting some space between them
:scratch: :s :lookout:I have worked my bees for 2 months now with just a veil, long sleeved shirt and latex gloves. I have been stung 4 times only once wasn't my fault!![]()
Nothing on the bottom? Dare I ask where you were stung?I have worked my bees for 2 months now with just a veil, long sleeved shirt and latex gloves. I have been stung 4 times only once wasn't my fault!![]()
Sounds fine to me.I also took the opportunity to enlarge the entrance (from about 1.5" to perhaps 4-5") because the smaller entrance seemed jammed all week and I figure they are strong enough to defend the hive. Too early?
The smoke can be hot too- test it on your skin before blowing it directly on any bees.- Smokers get hot. I burned myself opening it to throw some dried leaves in.
Yes, often a couple of them start bumping at you to warn you. Good reason for a veil.- One or two of the bees dive-bombed me and made alot of noise. What up with that? A warning?