Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 136

This is the audio track from today's YouTube video presentation.

https://youtu.be/4xaxk8wEhHk

 

Thank you so much for listening!

Topics and time-stamps are generously provided by:

Adam Holmes 

 

 1) When I start with a swarm, or package of bees, can I start them in a 8 or 10 frame regular hive, or do I need to purchase a nuc? 3:49

 

2) When you do the queen excluder test with the queen being caged for varroa control, could I use a drone frame in that cage, or would that impact the colony's relationship to the queen? 15:00

 

3) Would you mind explaining how you go about doing your splits? 25:04

 

4) If I order package bees, would you suggest BeeWeaver, Saskatraz, or some other line? 32:08

 

5) If you have bee stock that you like and know is good. Could you raise more drones and flood the area with your selected genetics? 39:39

 

6) What do you think about having a hole in the front of the flow box that is elevated? 49:08

 

7) Regarding your varroa mite control plan, if the mite scoots into a cell with a larva just before it's capped, will the Oxalic Acid Vapor still kill it? Or would you have to alter your application schedule? 53:31

 

8) What do you know about Texas 5000 bees? I've heard you talk about BeeWeaver bees, which are pricier. 57:12

 

9) We are feeding dry sugar and at times slipping in some fondant, does giving them fondant stimulate them for brood production, or is it just emergency backup feed? 1:05:13

 

10) If I hang drawn comb with larvae already in it, and change the orientation for a Layens Hive, will this damage the developing larvae? 1:10:03

 

11) If I use the BeeSmart Design insulated inner cover, do I still have to tilt the hive forward, or does it work better level? 1:17:00

 

12) Whatever happened to the waxed plastic frames you had that prevented small hive beetles from hiding in them? 1:20:15

 

13) Is a steel queen excluder better than a plastic one? 1:23:53

 

14) Can you go over some of the basics about your Observation Hive? Do they mind the light? How can you keep one in an un-heated space? 1:28:15