Bees eating from my finger!

These bees are very docile!! I have yet to smoke the hive when I work on them. Hubs does it, but I feel they get irritated with the smoke. I might find this to be differently later on, but for now - they haven't bothered me. Heck, if they sting my fingers, my arthritis might feel better. I actually went out and didn't open the top, but I did put some sugar water on my finger and immediately I had 2 very interested bees. It's odd - I didn't feel a thing while they were eating. Not even a tickle.

Pollen Patties again!

I checked on the bees a couple of weeks ago. The temperature has dropped and I thought I would try the pollen patties again. I cut them this time lengthwise. And only added 2 to the hive, not the whole big thing. The bees took to them immediately.

Bees keeping busy!

It is starting to get cooler here. We had a very early frost back at the beginning of October. Before that the bees were quite busy on these white flowers and on the dandelions throughout the yard. Walking up to the white flowers - I could hear the buzzing there were so many. Makes me think there is another hive close - a wild one. Well, I know there was one 2 years ago. The outer part fell from the tree and I could pick up honeycomb on the ground with honey oozing out. Since then - the bees have moved, but I'm sure they stayed around close. As long as they don't bother the hive, I'm good.

Bees 9-15-2012

The beehive has been shut for 2 weeks.. Last time it was opened dh placed a pollen patty that he had shipped here and filled the sugar water back up. Bees seem to have been busy as usual, going and coming out of the hive. In the mornings while it's been cooler, it's taken them awhile to get out and get going. Opening the hive yesterday was an adventure of sorts. Dh accidentally let go of a corner of the frame. It hit the side and there was a small swarm. They all quickly gathered at the front though trying to find their way back in. Took only a moment for them to all go back in. No bites or stings. Because of this we did not pull up all the frames. The pollen patty had worms in it, so dh quickly removed it and after reading on the internet, will only be placing small amounts out on the frames. They had started building on the farthest from the center frame. Yeah!! Though I hope they get it built out by winter. Hoping this winter is as warm as last years.

8/26/12

They are quite active today. The sugar/H2O mix is way down. Some of them seem to be covering themselves in it. Watched them for awhile and they seemed to be cleaning each other off outside the opening. Look close and wetness can be noticed on their wings and backs. The all seem to be doing good. Going to check the hive on Thursday or Friday to see if there is any improvement. By the looks of things - there is.

Next Day.

Went to the store and bought a top feeder & pollen. Made pollen patties and made the sugar/H2O syrup. Let's hope this helps.

Checking Hive!

Checked the hive on Thursday. Was hoping to put the next super on. No way! There was nothing left in the hive, but the bees. Astonished and worried. Looked up on internet, read books and figured they were still not getting enough pollen or nectar from the few flowers growing in the yard. 

Collecting Pollen.

They love these purple flowers. Tons of pollen all over their legs and torso.

Bees!

They were busy today!

It's been a few..

Life has gotten hectic but only for a moment. Going back to normal here in a few. I have checked on the bees everyday. Needing to get out there with my good camera. I see them all the time while outside. We have finally gotten some rain and things are growing again. Thank goodness. They are keeping busy. While sitting out watching them - it's a busy freeway - in and out of the hive. Let you know in a couple of weeks how things are going.

Moving the bees!

The bees were moved into their new hive last Wednesday. They are doing fine! I see them every morning I go out for my walk.

Beehive Making! Part 2