Saturday, January 26, 2013
and then there were four
We lost a hive early this winter due to exessive robbing. We lost our Georgia hive that had always been so strong, the one that we had just requeened, the one that had spent the summer kicking our Utah hives tails. I don't know why they were suddenly weak enough that they would allow themselves to be robbed so badly. Our nuc took a pretty serious hit as well, but they are still hanging in there.
We bought some pollen patties to feed all of them through the winter so hopefully we don't lose anymore.
I am thinking of naming my hives with native animals. I can paint a siliouette of each animal on the hive. That is one way to help my husband remember. Right now we just call them the Utah hive, the two nevada hives, and the california hive. It gets confusing.
Hubby wants to paint a different color on the landing board of each hive, but I am not so convinced. Thoughts?
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A local bee keeper does just that - paints each board a different color.
ReplyDeleteNow I know why he did that! Always brings a smile to see all the pretty colors when we drive by.
Phyllis, it is more for the bees than the beekeeper. They orient on their own hive and the different color or image painted on the landing board helps them figure out which hive is the right one to go into.
ReplyDeleteI totally never knew that colors could help. I think that is cool. I wish I weren't terrified as heck and in the city. I still vicariously am living through your country life. :)
ReplyDeleteGracie - thanks for setting me straight! He has a lot of hives lined up. Learned something new and useful today! Thanks again.
ReplyDeleteI like the color idea!
ReplyDeleteSorry you lost some of your hard work and the creatures you tend.