When is a new package safely settled?
Got two packages hived in yesterday morning, have queen excluders on for now to try to prevent absconding. They have frame feeders with syrup, and seem to be settling in ---- I put in two drawn frames with a good 'old' scent to them. Added a touch of LGO to the box as well.
I don't want to bother them at all for several days. Queens were great and direct released after several days with their bees.
Questions i have are:
1. How soon is it safe to remove the excluders so the drones can fly, and dead taken out easier, etc. I really don't want to risk them absconding.
2. They are ( this is the second morning after hiving ) mostly flying around the hives, I am presuming orientating but its more than that, just tons of activity at the bottom entrances and flying above the hives -- Ive seen some of them in the yard but most are around the hives. I am guessing they are just getting acclimated?
Thanks in advance!
I don't want to bother them at all for several days. Queens were great and direct released after several days with their bees.
Questions i have are:
1. How soon is it safe to remove the excluders so the drones can fly, and dead taken out easier, etc. I really don't want to risk them absconding.
2. They are ( this is the second morning after hiving ) mostly flying around the hives, I am presuming orientating but its more than that, just tons of activity at the bottom entrances and flying above the hives -- Ive seen some of them in the yard but most are around the hives. I am guessing they are just getting acclimated?
Thanks in advance!
