I picked up my package of bees on the way home from work this morning. Above is my package, and below is them in my car.
After I got the syrup ready I tried to move them into the hive my cousin Jay gave me. I managed to get about half the bees in the hive and then finally found the queen “cage”. It was actually more of a box. I took the cork out like the books say expecting a candy plug, but what I assume was the queen rapidly flew out. I dearly hope she found her way to the hive. I tried to convince the rest of the bees to move to the hive, but many stayed in the box. I put the hive together but then was worried that the entrance feeder did not seem to be working. So then I opened up the hive again and set up a baggie feeder as well. Here is everything set up in our orchard.
I watched them periodically through the afternoon as I was sitting in the sun and reading one of the bee books Jay gave me. As the day progressed the bees did gradually move into the hive with very few left outside. So I am thinking it was a success. We will know for sure in a week. Wish me luck in my bee keeping adventure.
This is something I have wanted to try for a long time, just not sure if I can handle all the maintenance. I have ten ducklings now we are raising in the brooder maybe next year will read the blog and see how your bee’s are doing. Ellen from Georgia
Thanks Ellen! I have wanted to do this for a long time too. But I may not be a good example of how to do it as yesterday proved.
how exciting! I’ve often thought it would be cool to keep bees. where did you get your package from?
I have wanted to get them for a while too Denise. I got them from Belleville Honey.
I hope it’ll go well, we all know how precious every bee is!! Good for you for taking this on!!
Thanks Kim! I just hope they make it.
I can so relate to all the wonderings during the process. I’m still concerned for our hive, still hoping it all works out well! Here’s hoping yours works out too.
Thanks Leigh! Here’s hoping both our hives do well.