The weather was reasonably fine today and shortly after lunch I found a spare half an hour to pop down the road to see Kathy H-R.
I dropped off a small parcel of groceries that 30% had picked up for Kathy and then I took a quick look at the hive that sits in her front garden.
It was going to be a quick peek at best since a cool wind was blowing and I didn't want to chill the colony nor any brood that might be developing. I got the smoker lit and gave a few puffs at the hive entrance. I could see worker bees taking in pollen, which is usually a sign that the queen is laying and that there are larvae to be fed. So far, so good ...
I lifted off the hive roof, noting that the colony had eaten most of the 2.5 kilos of candy* that had been provided as emergency winter feed. This was another positive sign.
I lifted the hive crown board a centimetre or two and gave the colony another couple of puffs of smoke. The crown board was then lifted and I was rewarded with a marvellous sight. The colony covered eight or nine of the brood frames, which is a good size at this point in the year.
I inspected a few of the frames in the centre of the cluster of bees** and saw a healthy patch of capped brood. That was all I wanted to see and I quickly closed up the hive, hopefully without chilling it too much.
All six of my hives have made it through the winter. I just hope that we get a mild dry Spring with plenty of blossom and flowers ...
... I've already been asked about whether I can supply some mini jars of honey for wedding favours.
---
* A soft sugar paste, very similar to fondant icing.** This is the warmest part of the colony and where the queen and the brood nest are most likely to be found
No comments:
Post a Comment