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beesontoast
Joined: 01 Feb 2009
Posts: 21
Location: Devon, UK
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 Posted: Thu Feb 12, 09 9:38 pm Post subject: |
 
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| alison wrote: |
As an update.
I ahve had 2 members of the apairy come and visit. They are 99% certain that my bees starved to death, because of the cold weather.
Even though there was still food in the hive the cold air space around the food meant the bees did not break from the cluster to feed.
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You can tell at a glance if they starved - they will be head-first inside cells, looking for the last dregs.
It is actually less common for bees to starve in cold weather, as they tend to go into a state almost of suspended animation and eat very little. It is when the weather starts to warm up in February and March and they move around more on the comb, and the queen starts to lay again, but there is little forage and the air is still too cool for longer flights, that starvation is more likely.
| alison wrote: |
We discussed the use of an eek, and insulation etc, and the method to be used now, on my site will be the feed placed over the hole on the crown board, and then the lid put on top of that.
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It is important to keep heat in the hive, especially in winter, so leaving a hole in the roof is a bad plan. Better to feed fondant now inside the hive, and put plenty of insulation on top.
Even on a hot summer day in Britain, the air around the brood chamber is warmer than the air outside - around 95 deg. F. Therefore, whenever you open your hive, you are causing the bees extra work. Also, varroa cannot reproduce above about 92 deg. F, so keeping your bees warm will help to control them as well. |
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alison
Downsizer Moderator
Joined: 29 Oct 2004
Posts: 12918
Location: North Devon
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deanom
Joined: 19 Apr 2006
Posts: 93
Location: Lincolnshire
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| Posted: Wed Mar 11, 09 1:51 am Post subject: BBKA ADM vote |
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Hi all
I was at the ADM, representing Lincolnshire, and voted against the resolution to allow the use of the BBKA logo, and to take money from the pesticide companies. I spoke against both motions. The vote was a fair one, even though I disagree with the result.
What is suspicious is that reports of chemical residues in collapsed colonies were available well before the ADM, but did not appaear in the BBKA news, or Beecraft, until after the voting took place.
The good news is that with a significant number of votes against, the BBKA will need to tread lightly on this, and as links to chemical contamination, including varroa treatments, become known, will need to adjust their policy.
The best way to change policy is from within. Get inside. Complaining at the margins is less effective.
I suggest that you also look at the BBKA stated policy of building up a reserve of two years subscription income. The affect of this is that we are paying more than we need to.
On the question of feeding fondant, try making your own. Sainsburys sell Fairtrade cane sugar, and you can use Lemongrass essential oil as an attractant to lead the bees to the food. I also add chamomile tea, and salt to the mixture.
Sorry to hear about your bees dying. I had the same problem last year, and fed early this year. |
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