Installing package bees

This is how I install package bees.
This year there will be a change. All the 2 lb packages will be in a plastic cage(video coming soon). The 3 lb packages will still be in the wooden package bee cage.
Double click on the video for full screen.

Bee Delivery Dates

Package Bee Delivery Dates:
First delivery, 2 lb packages Monday April 11th.
Second delivery 3 lb packages Monday April 18th.
There will be a pick up schedule posted. The schedule goes by the first initial of your last name. You will be given an hour block of time to pick up.
We have to spread beekeepers throughout the day, to assure a speedy hand out of bees. If everyone came at the same time, the wait for bees will be several hours. The pick up schedule system we use works well and most beekeepers are here less than five minutes.
 There is no hurry to put the bees in. The best time to put the bees in the hive is after 6:30 pm.
Watch this blog for updates as the delivery can possible change due to weather in California.
As the delivery date approaches check the blog daily for updates and to make sure the bees have arrived.
Our store is closed on bee pick up day. You need to purchase your bee supplies before the bees come.
 We do sell ProSweet syrup, feeder pails, and pollen patties on bee pick up day.

2016 Queen Prices

Our 2016 Queen Prices
Hygienic Carniolan or Hygienic Italian
$30.00 unmarked
$31.50 marked
Queens available late April - mid June

Late March hive happenings

Smoked this colony right before the pollen patty went on. The bees were peeking from between the frames looking for a scrumptious pollen patty to eat.

The hives are currently on spring build up. The queen is laying and new brood has been hatching out. Colonies have been eating pollen patties, being that it has been too cool for bees to get out and forage for pollen.
 The cool weather has slowed pollen bearing trees from budding out. As our temperatures warm up, more pollen will be coming available. Pollen patties need to be on the hive for colonies to have a steady supply of pollen substitute. Without pollen the bees may not even have any brood going in the hive. Pollen patties are cheap insurance that a colony will continue to build up.
 Feeding syrup is on an as needed basis. If the bees need honey, feed syrup. Don't over feed. It would be a shame if a hive starved from lack of attention from the beekeepers. As the temperatures warm stronger colonies will be occupying more and more of a multi story colony. Usually around April first beekeepers usually do a reversal. The purpose of the reversal is to give the queen more room to lay. By spreading the brood throughout the colony will bring a larger population to a properly managed colony. Keep the pollen patties on and hope for warmer weather.

4 Frame Nuc's Available

My friend Brian has some 4 frame nuc's available.
The nuc's come from Texas. The are delivered in early May.
The nuc's will come in a cardboard nuc box, four frames of bees and a mated MN-Hygienic Queen.
Limited number available call NOW if you want some.
$150.00 each
Brian 763-421-6644

MN Links Insecticide to Damaged Hives

http://www.startribune.com/in-win-for-beekeepers-state-links-insecticide-to-damaged-hives/372728941/

Why did my bees die?

This is a link to the bee informed blog.
This article by Meghan Milbrath from Michigan State University extension. Is an in depth look at symptoms of hives that have died over the winter in northern climates. Once again Varroa is the culprit in many cases of hive mortality.
https://beeinformed.org/2016/03/08/why-did-my-honey-bees-die/