Hey all. Second year newbie. Single hive starved out over winter.
I bought a second hive. I installed two russian queens with two italian packages. I have not pulled the cork from the queen cages yet. I don't know of local sources for russian packages. So made use of my local sources and ordered the russian queens elsewhere. ( I know someone is going to ask. I gave the italian queens to a neighbor that lost his two hives over the winter. He has a friend helping with splits).
Bees seem to be settling in nicely. Very gentle.
I have two questions.
1) Someone told me that I would need to keep the russian queens in the cages for 10-14 days because I am introducing them to Italians. I think they are beginning to accept them (only been two days so far). I originnally planned on waiting about 5 days before removing the cork. Is 10 -14 days really necessary. That seems a bit extreme to me. But just a newbie.
2) Seeing a little "tobacco juice on outside of hives. Is this normal for a newly installed package because they haven't been able to take cleansing flights? or do I need to worry about nosema. I have never medicated yet and would prefer to never have to.
I looked real carefully inside. I have seen no "tobacco juice" inside.
I would really appreciate your input.
Thanking you in advance.
Betty
I bought a second hive. I installed two russian queens with two italian packages. I have not pulled the cork from the queen cages yet. I don't know of local sources for russian packages. So made use of my local sources and ordered the russian queens elsewhere. ( I know someone is going to ask. I gave the italian queens to a neighbor that lost his two hives over the winter. He has a friend helping with splits).
Bees seem to be settling in nicely. Very gentle.
I have two questions.
1) Someone told me that I would need to keep the russian queens in the cages for 10-14 days because I am introducing them to Italians. I think they are beginning to accept them (only been two days so far). I originnally planned on waiting about 5 days before removing the cork. Is 10 -14 days really necessary. That seems a bit extreme to me. But just a newbie.
2) Seeing a little "tobacco juice on outside of hives. Is this normal for a newly installed package because they haven't been able to take cleansing flights? or do I need to worry about nosema. I have never medicated yet and would prefer to never have to.
I looked real carefully inside. I have seen no "tobacco juice" inside.
I would really appreciate your input.
Thanking you in advance.
Betty