The warm weather we have been having gets me thinking that the bees maybe thinking it is early spring. The queen may have started to lay in some colonies. If this has happened the food intake will increase as the bees will need to feed and keep the brood warm. Hopefully most colonies don't have access to pollen yet. This will keep the bees from raising brood.
Normally when the bees put up honey, they will stack it on top of pollen that is already in the cell. As they consume honey over winter the pollen becomes exposed and available for use. Warmer weather may increase the desire to get started for spring build up.
Colder weather will be moving in later this week for a more normal weather. The cooler weather should cool the desire of the hive to raise brood.
At this time beekeepers can't do anything but enjoy the nice weather. This winter has been easy on the bees so far and if it stays on the mild side the bees should winter in great shape.
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picking up bees in California
This blog is for beekeepers in Northern climates. I will be describing what I am doing with my bees on a monthly schedule. Copying any text or photos is forbidden except with written authorization of the author.
Disclaimer:
This blog explains how I keep bees. It works for me, it might not work for you. Use my methods at your own risk.
Always wear protective clothing and use a smoker when working bees.
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What I am doing this month
- put supers on strong overwintered colonies
- Treat overwintered colonies for mites
- Add second box to package bees when ready
- Divide colonies
picking up bees in California
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About Me
- Jim
- Stillwater, Minnesota
- I have kept bees for 28 years and run 25 colonies. We have changed our business name to Bees and Honey LLC. We are still selling honey at our Stillwater location. Honey fills (still in Stillwater) anytime but please call