Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 204 from the apiary.

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Welcome to another episode of backyard beekeeping topics.
Today we're out in The Way To Bee building and the observation hives are thriving.
The shout-out for today goes out to The Bee Informed Partnership:
beeinformed.or...
If you'd like to submit a topic of your own for consideration, please fill out the form on this page:
www.fredsfinef...
Today's topics are in order below:
1) Can I use BetterComb in my medium honey super, or just in my deep brood frames?
Here is my review of BetterComb: • Better Comb by BetterB...
2) I am going to try Ross Rounds this year, I was wondering when I should put them on the hives and any other hints?
Ross Rounds from start to finish: • Ross Round Honey In Th...
3) I have recently bought my first EPS hive. The company is called HiveIQ. I have just noticed that the bees have started chewing the polystyrene inside the lid. Have you had any experience with this issue?
Propolis Traps: www.betterbee....
(I have not personally used these, it's just a thought)
4) I have a question about chickens. If I add a rooster to eight hens, would you say that the eggs would be fertile?
5) I am currently building your long lang hive, I was wondering what you use to winter that hive? Bee Cozy or do you wrap it?
Here are my prints, and horizontal hive videos:
www.fredsfinef...
6) With varroa being a vector for pathogens, do you want Drones that are bitten to possibly pass on their problems while mating?
See an interview with an expert on this topic:
• Dr. Zachary Lamas Inte...
7) I split my hives with varying levels of varroa mites. I've done most of my work in the fall, would this work in spring or is it too aggressive?
Thank you for watching and listening. If you'd like to join a fellowship of backyard beekeepers where you can visit and exchange ideas/practices, this group is for you: / 3062274013832702
Looking to support a great cause? How about:
hivesforheroes...
I wish you all the best in beekeeping!
If you'd like to shop for The Way To Bee merchandise, here you go:
www.fredsfinef...

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2 окт 2024

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Комментарии : 92

@Adam.Holmes. Год назад

1) Can I use BetterComb in my medium honey super, or just in my deep brood frames? 5:10 2) I am going to try Ross Rounds this year, I was wondering when I should put them on the hives and any other hints? 11:02 3) I have recently bought my first EPS hive. The company is called HiveIQ. I have just noticed that the bees have started chewing the polystyrene inside the lid. Have you had any experience with this issue? 18:43 4) I have a question about chickens. If I add a rooster to eight hens, would you say that the eggs would be fertile? 25:24 5) I am currently building your long lang hive, I was wondering what you use to winter that hive? Bee Cozy or do you wrap it? 27:05 6) With varroa being a vector for pathogens, do you want Drones that are bitten to possibly pass on their problems while mating? 34:01 7) I split my hives with varying levels of varroa mites. I've done most of my work in the fall, would this work in spring or is it too aggressive? 40:15

@michaelshelnutt3534 Год назад

@35:27- "These are not the drones you are looking for"

@robertmathurin739 Год назад

🇱🇨👍🏼♥️

@sonofthunder. Год назад

thank you

@eberntson Год назад

So enjoy your experiments.

@enricotoesca3941 Год назад

Hello and very thanks Dear Frederick 🥰🥰🥰🥰

@Backyard_gardening_beekeeping Год назад

Fred, I listen to your weekly Q & A to and from work on Mondays. Very informative. I have learned a lot from you. In this episode and in another one a couple of weeks ago, you mentioned something to the effect of "drones don't feed themselves". I thought it was inaccurate. I did some homework before posting this comment. This is what found. " For the first few days of their lives drone are fed entirely by workers. This is followed by a period in which they are both fed by workers, although not to such an extent as previously, and feed themselves from honey cells. After they are about a week old they tend to feed themselves entirely and do not beg food from workers." (The British Journal of Animal Behaviour Volume 5, Issue 1, January 1957, Pages 7-11). Of course, this is an old publication. Have you found any newer studies that contradict the findings by the British？Thanks.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

That suggestion that drones feed themselves has come up often. To that I say, please record the activity and settle the discussion once and for all. I've been videoing drones being fed, and observed them for extended periods of time. I've never observed a drone feeding itself, even when it's clearly dying of starvation. The easy question would be, if the drone feeds itself, then the workers would not be able to starve a drone. Drones would also be attracted to syrup or feeding stations, or even nectar on blossoms that don't require long tongues. But they don't, or if they do, they are so secretive about it, that they can't be filmed. Queen bees that are banked, have been observed feeding themselves. If there is a video of a drone feeding itself I would be very interested in seeing it. That behavior is high on my "to-do" list, but even isolated drones won't feed, at least not in front of me. I've offered them nectar, sugar syrup, and honey in honeycomb and they ignore it unto death. BUT, my mind is always open to new evidence.

@GaryManess Год назад

All states need to do that. Congratulations on your state ag and government. I'm sure it will also improve the scenery

@ogbullion Год назад

Hi Fred! I'm shockd when you said hexacells is made in hungary beacuse here in hungary nobody use it nobody knows it nobody sells it (bee supply shops) and no beekeeper forums talk about it . I found that very very strange.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Strange indeed. hexacells.com/about

@ChristieAnnMitchell Год назад

How did your Apimaye hives do this winter?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Those were my losses. BUT, I'll be changing them this year and going again. For starters, I'll be blocking those top vents. To be fair, they were also set up late in the year. I plan to further evaluate them this year, including the 7 frame nucleus system.

@michelearmstrong4060 Год назад

1) Could you show a picture of the double bubble in your long lang please. I am not sure I have the correct image in my head. 2) Also if I have a long lang that is not as thick on the sides as yours. Can I screw another piece of wood to each side to help with insulating. Should I put wool or double bubble in between the two pieces of wood. I would think I would need a piece of corner molding for the edges. I am in Troy Mi and have not had the hive make it through 3 winters. Most of my reg hives make it through winter. Thanks.

@honeylocustlavenderfarm Год назад

It's been a few year since you inspired me to get bees. I really appreciate the work you do and the information you give please keep it up!!!

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Thank you, I'm so glad to have been a part of your beekeeping inspiration :)

@Ittiz Год назад

File an extension...

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Rather get it overwith. Thanks.

@johnmenocal1633 Год назад

Ross Round video link, please???

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Hi John, I put it in the video description.

@MarionMakarewicz Год назад

Jedi worker bee to a varroa mite checking out the the newly hatched bees in the big cells on the bottom of the frame: these aren't the drones you are looking for.

@ChristieAnnMitchell Год назад

Do your chickens wander around your beehives? Have you had any trouble between bees and chickens?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Yes, they forage all around the hives with no issues at all.

@WrenHillFarm Год назад

Thanks for the answer Fred! I think I will try the propolis mat idea. Interestingly the bees haven’t chewed inside any of the walls… just the underside of the lid, and they have seemingly stopped even that for now.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Did they coat it with propolis?

@WrenHillFarm Год назад

@@FrederickDunn no propolis that I can see.

@almostagardener4549 Год назад

I’m looking forward to seeing you setting up the new observation hive. I saw it at Hive Life and hope to build one like it for myself can’t wait for you to post the specs. As always thanks for all you do I really enjoyed your work.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

It's still wrapped up and waiting for installation, I'm thinking May :)

@captbriansbees Год назад

Mr. Dunn, I need to schedule my 5 frame Nuc pickup. I’m an Airline pilot so I may have to leave my Nuc for 4 days before transferring them to my VEVOR hive. Will that be ok instead of the recommended 3 days?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Yes, that's fine, since it's a nucleus.

@harryzervas4981 Год назад

Hi Fred! You have awesome very informative videos. Love your hives especially the observation hives. I have 12 hives and wanted to add an observation hives. Do you have a link to the observation hive?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-QE7IaqVAIPk.html

@redfish440 Год назад

Thanks Fred, have a great weekend!

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Thanks, you too!

@DutchCreekRanch1 Год назад

Hi Fred. Lost another hive. Did a massive clean up. No honey extractor, so chopped, strained, rendered, repeat… for a week. My question is this: how do you clean up all the sticky residue after something like that? I used lots of hot, soapy water and finally resorted to lysol spray foam at the end. Stick have a sticky residue on the floor ( and yes, I was careful 😂 but it gets everywhere!)

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Soak it in cold fresh water and the honey/sticky stuff comes off. Hot water isn't necessary... a large tote would work, or child's swimming pool (the round plastic kind) will allow you to spray everything without getting grass stuck on all surfaces. Then air dry.

@shanmarg Год назад

How do we get a queen be into our hive? Can we buy a queen bee?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Yes, there are many queen sellers and breeders. But, do you already have honey bees? You can't just get a queen and install her into a hive, you need thousands of honey bees with the queen, or have them in the hive first.

@glennsnaturalhoney4571 Год назад

I'm trying something new with my poly hive covers. I staple a a piece if double bubble/refectex to the inside of the lid. I'm thinking that will stop the munching plus a little more insulation. What do you think? Glenn.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Worth a try, I haven't attempted that.

@eileenanders Год назад

Hi Fred, I found a capped swarm cell but couldn't locate the queen to do an artificial swarm. It looks like there's only capped brood in the hive now. Should I set up a nuc with that swarm cell or will they just swarm anyway at this point?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Hi Eileen. Chances are that your queen may have departed already. If you've found a swarm cell, it's also likely that there are others. I would pull a frame with at least one swarm cell on it, and leave the others with the current colony. Put the frame with a swarm cell on it into a new nucleus hive body with a frame of brood and set that aside. Verify that you are also leaving swarm cells in the original colony. Once you begin that evolution, you may happen across the queen. If you do, then I think you already know to remove her to your nucleus as she's going to leave anyway. I hope those options help. Were there any eggs? If not, then it's another indicator that your queen may have already made her exit. :)

@thomaswilliams6155 Год назад

Hello Fred and thanks for the videos, im grateful to ya. I asked you once before about using your hands to describe things. It makes me nuts because im riveted to what youre talking about and then you use your hands to describe something instead of just popping a picture up in the corner like you do with the title of your show. If youre confused its bbecause i didnt show a picture of what i was talking about. They would make your show a lot more interesting. Your show your choice. Just a suggestion.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Thanks Thomas, these take me a full day to do as it is. I'm going to have to fall short on that issue... I do also make hands on videos. What topic were you wanting to see more of? I may have already presented it as a demonstration.

@selinacf Год назад

Frederick where did you get your bee hive tool belt? I would like to get one.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

I bought it at the West Virginia Honey In The Hills Conference. But, you can probably do a google search for Paul Kelly Bee Belt. It should run around $83.00?

@larrynoe6276 Год назад

I believe I heard you say on a previous video that you had ordered some Bee weaver queens and I want to share something about one of the two queens I ordered from them 1 wasn't very good and didn't make through the winter the other 1 was very productive but when I went into the hive a few weeks ago they were hotter than 40 Devils and attacked me like crazy so I closed them up till dark and stopped the entrance to let them die. They the queens came from Texas and that queens mother. must have mated with an Africanized drone. I sure don't want my other bees mixing with them. You are right they need to be destroyed. I seen your video where the people had chickens killed and hogs were getting attacked by her very hot hive. Have a blessed night.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Hi Larry, who specifically did you get those queens from? Yes, when I have purchased queens, I've bought them from BeeWeaver. None of the issues you've described matches my experience with that stock. I'm not saying that it couldn't happen, but I've been working with their stock since 2008.

@lester3836 Год назад

Thanks for another great question and answer. I can't wait to get into hives. I really like the idea of an observation hive.

@brendawydeven2934 Год назад

Had a next hive idea for you. And AZ hive. What's your thoughts on those hives?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

All I can say is that they aren't currently on my test/evaluation list. But anything is possible in the future. I do like the version that includes/uses standard Langstroth frames, and having hives inside a structure is very VERY appealing in this neck of the woods. I've had my eye on an old dairy barn that could be a row-barn for hives. But no current plans.

@brendawydeven2934 Год назад

I have a shed I was looking to convert. I like the langstroth frames too. Less lifting and probably easier on bees in Wisconsin.

@walkinginwatercolourswithmicah Год назад

(Micah Neff here) lol...One chicken sees, all chickens do!

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Chickens are special ... (">

@TORTmentor Год назад

@@FrederickDunn 🤣

@NATURALBEEKEEPERSCOLLECTIVE Год назад

Great tip putting the Ross Rounds in the Freezer incase of wax moths. I know that can happen as it happened to us with some framed honey in pantry storage, They really do make a right mess when they start cocooning. Oh I before I forget you mentioned hyssop at the start. Which Hyssop are you referring to? We have two completely different plants this side of the pond both called Hyssop. There is Hyssop Officinalis and Hyssop Anise. I have given up on the Officinalis and just Grow the Hyssop Anise now, the Pinkish/Mauve one and the White one. They flower amazing first season from seeds. But the Officinalis we waited two years and were no where near as good as the Hyssop Anise for the Bees, they hardly touched it. Some sellers just sell both as just Hyssop. Not sure what bright spark decided two unrelated plants get the same common name haha Not sure if the Officinalis just did not like our soil. They really did not perform well at all. Any tips or advice would be much appreciated.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Specifically Agastache foeniculum and A. scrophulariifolia.

@NATURALBEEKEEPERSCOLLECTIVE Год назад

@@FrederickDunn Thats briliant. Save the seeds in the fall and you will produce millions of seedlings. Can never have to much of this stuff. My Grandad swears by the one sold as Mexican Giant with the same botanical name as you mention and has a theory on it being medicinal honey for the bees and humans.

@suzanneguiho4882 Год назад

MrDunn I havé a question on slatted racks. (ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-OiMoCuHQzcM.html) I asked Étienne Tardif about why he says that « slatted racks diminish the activity at the entrance ». He responded by saying that it prevents the warming of the air that comes out of the entrance and delays the bees coming out for their first cleansing flight, if I understood correctly. I know you have noticed that the insulated hives delays the bees from coming out for their first flight in the new season, but have you ever noticed this where you use the slatted racks? This is very interesting how the slightest things has an impact on the bees?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

We are in profoundly different climates. Slatted racks provide more benefits than drawbacks. It does make sense that the 2" space with that solid board on the forward end of the SR would slow landing board warming, however, the front of the uninsulated hive is also warmed by the sun and out they go. IF the hive were insulated all around, then the point about the slatted rack would have to be considered. With my uninsulated walls, nothing is different when it comes to morning flight activity. My insulated hives fly much later than the uninsulated.

@suzanneguiho4882 Год назад

@@FrederickDunn What I understand from Étienne is the element of heat that comes out of the hive that warms the air outside in the area in front of the entrance. I always thought of the warming of the air In front of the hive by the sun hitting the front entrance. However it never came to mind that that air outside in front of the entrance is also warmed up by the warm air that comes out of the hive. This fact is never mentioned or is never factored in. I guess as you say it becomes irrelevant in our kind of weather whilst in the far north it may make a different for their first cleansing flight especially where every bit of heat is important..??🤔

@stevegammon7376 Год назад

When I first signed up for your channel it let me know when you had live show and any time you had a show now I don’t see until I go to RU-vid anyone know how I can fix?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Other than clicking on the notification bell, I'm not sure what else would impact that?

@stevegammon7376 Год назад

I’m subscribed to you and have all notifications it seems to have stopped for all my subscriptions for some reason I get notifications when you and others came on but like watching live notifications I’ll keep trying to get it figured out your very knowledgeable on many fronts only few people I like to watch all the time appreciate how you teach and your a real smart person and seam really nice thanks for what you do God bless you and your family 🙏

@KodavistaKommuneApiaries Год назад

Hi Fred Enjoying the beautiful weather here in Rochester,NY as well… can’t help but notice all the gloves piled up behind you 😉 Does this mean you plan on hosting classes this year at the “Way to Bee Academy” ? And how do I sign up 😂

@FrederickDunn Год назад

I have small groups come and have gloves from tiny mittens to adult sizes. Groups are around 10 people or less. Just single-day presentations, not a complete course "yet".

@grantjackson3951 Год назад

I made a few of Tom Seeleys design swarm traps worked perfectly 5 frame tall . Going into winter for us here in Oz already feel like I’m running behind. Thanks for another great episode.

@lambbrookfarm4528 Год назад

It's Fred-day! How great is that!!❤❤❤I offered AP23 and Ultra-bee and the clear winner was Ultra-bee.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Same here... :)

@russellkoopman3004 Год назад

@@FrederickDunn I fed Ultra Bee and they ate it nicely. But Randy Oliver showed that it doesn't raise brood as well as many other pollen subs. Kids will always eat candy first before they have to eat vegetables. Just because they ate it fast doesn't mean it is better for them, right?

@tommychew6544 Год назад

Thanks for your explanations, I learn more from every one of them. As Jeff, Mr. Ed, calls you, you are Professor Fred to me!

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Ahhh yes, Mr. Ed! He's truly a great guy with unmatched enthusiasm! I always enjoy talking with Jeff.

@rosspower7514 Год назад

Thanks for the answer Fred. I figured with a name like Ross.... I had to try Ross Rounds.... I am growing the apiary to 8 hives this year as well. As always, great session.

@TheCoppyCat Год назад

I used bettercomb in my honey supers last year since I didn't have any drawn comb. They filled it full and drawed out the new foundation as well. They spun just fine in my extractor

@FrederickDunn Год назад

There you go, thanks for sharing that it held up for you, Brandon! :)

@johnmenocal1633 Год назад

I use BetterComb in only my deeps. Having said that, my two lower deeps are packed in April, so I will be pulling frmaes that have little to no larvae and f=replacing the frames with new BetterComb deeps. Hope the foundation survives!!!

@russellkoopman3004 Год назад

@@FrederickDunn Fred, I have used Better Comb medium frames for honey and extracted them with a tangential and a radial extractor at 100% speed and haven't had a problem. The bees attach the sides of the frames to the comb and with the wires it seems to be strong enough.

@mikehill9888 Год назад

Always intresting, the hives look good

@jamesbarron1202 Год назад

If you did a hive cut out and left your collection Langstroth hive box near the old hive to collect all the returning workers until nightfall, when would you transfer them from that Langstroth into your existing horizontal hive? That night (angry bees) or set that collection Langstroth next to the horizontal hive a few days to get them adjusted to their new location and move them into it around noon?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

I would not do it at night if you can avoid that, but would try early morning when they would all be inside.

@blongsiab Год назад

How about staple a layer of aluminum foil to the inside so that the bees don't have access to the polystyrene. Just a thought

@ChristieAnnMitchell Год назад

Your weather is nicer than mine. We just had our first 60° day here in Quebec City. I'm so happy my bees made it through my first winter. I put out pollen sub in an egg carton but they're not interested. The Silver Maples are blooming but I haven't seen them on there yet either. I'm seeing orientation flights and they are removing a lot of dead bees from the hive. We still have snow on the ground. I understand I should wait for at least 70° and a calm sunny day before opening the hive. ❤😊🎉

@brendawydeven2934 Год назад

Have you tried hogg half comb kit? Thanks for all you do Fred :)

@FrederickDunn Год назад

I just liked the double deep comb of the Ross-Rounds, but both are popular, and the appeal to consumers also seems equal. The hive selection and super placement would also be the same :)

@rachelstone4967 Год назад

Polystyrene comment: I set up a swarm trap that was a large polystyrene box with a ~10x2cm [4x1inch] entrance. By the time I got back to it they had eaten the entrance to ~10x10 cm [4x4inch] and were still eating the outside & inside. 😳. Since I get these from deliveries I will still use them as swarm traps but will mount frames inside on a couple of metal / fibreglass rods as transporting it home the heavy honey combs fell down making transfer harder than it needed to be. Next time will check it more frequently too ha ha.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Great attempt at repurposing something that's already around. That's a huge opening, they may have been trying to get to some solid material and didn't find it. I wonder if you cut a 3/4" diameter hole and stuck a 3/4" pipe segment into that hole, you'd have a solid enrance? :) Thanks for sharing.

@77deerejohn Год назад

Hi Fred I enjoyed listing to you on your podcasts and RU-vid. When you add your second super do you over-super or under-super or does it matter? Thank you

@FrederickDunn Год назад

Great Question! I over super... unless, the top super is already wall-to-wall honey. If you can stay ahead of their production by getting a super on when they are 80% topped off, that's a better way to keep them productive.

@tommychew6544 Год назад

I liked your description of Drones and how natural selection works. That may end up being the key to controlling varroa, feral bees seem to have already proved that. Why do people continue to think they can manipulate what bees do to the point of total control over them, they obviously know things we don't about what is best for their survival. Take ques from the bees themselves to learn and not try to take matters into your own hands. Let nature be the guide.

@FrederickDunn Год назад

We were tracking several feral colonies in trees here in nwpa. It was a short-lived study as they all perished, every single one. BUT, that doesn't mean they aren't making it on their own elsewhere.

@richmin7130 Год назад

Hey Fred, I made an "insulated 5 frame inner cover" out of the 2" pink polystyrene, drilled a 1.5" hole in the middle. Then lined one side and the hole with that aluminum tape, pushed it into a medium super then used the foam sealer around the top inside corners. I was able to fold 2 sides of the hive alive fondant up and put over the hole where they've used it. Then made another 2" insulator that fits inside above the fondant, then double bubble and telescoping cover. I went with internal insulation because i was concerned about my ratchet straps possibly smashing the insulation. So far they haven't chewed it so we'll see, this summer i'm going to leave it on. Do you think the heat reflective tape would have a negative impact in the summer?

@FrederickDunn Год назад

I'm not sure about the properties of the heat reflective tape adhesive. So I can't really comment on that.