Bees!

We are trying something new this year. After nearly two years of reading and researching Jon took a class in Minneapolis about beekeeping in northern climates. As of May 1st we are now keepers of one colony of Italian honeybees! We are very new to this and will post information as we learn. We purchased 3# of bees which is about 10,000 bees and 1 queen.

On May 2nd Jon installed the bees into the hive. It went very well aside from the fact that he forgot to wear his veil until he was half way through the process. Needless to say he learned his lesson. It was 53 degrees and sunny when we put them in their first brood box. We installed them at about 6:00 pm to encourage them to stay in the hive overnight.

The next day Jon checked on them to make sure they were eating the 2:1 sugar syrup we fed them so they have a constant supply of food until the flowers are producing plenty of pollen and nectar. They need alot of food now to build comb and get acquainted with their new home. The queen will also begin laying eggs.

On May 9th Jon did his first hive inspection to check the sugar syrup and check to see if the queen is laying eggs. The bees are quickly drawing out or building comb. some of the cells already contain colorful pollen. This early spring is nice for the bees. Jon also got to see the queen so we know she was accepted by the colony and is still alive. With his back to the sun and the light shining down over his shoulder to light the tiny cells Jon spied the first of many tiny bee eggs. Success! New sugar syrup was added and the hive was closed. Happy Mothers Day Queen.

We will check their progress again in about 10 days. Keep working ladies!