4 Hives With 4 Laying Queens

… and 3 of them are marked!  At some points last year I thought I would never reach this level of beekeeping!  Or maybe the weather and bees have been kinder to me.  Either way, I am delighted.

In Summary:

  • Hive One: Contains the May swarm – Queen laying, slow to draw out new brood comb. I have feeder on top to encourage drawing comb
  • Hive Two: The hive that swarmed in May – have recently seen eggs and larvae so must have a 2014 Queen
  • Hive Three: Started as 3 frames with Queen cells from Pete in April – has laying Queen (2014 Queen), she’s marked, slow to draw out brood comb. I have feeder on top to encourage drawing comb
  • Hive Five: Started as 2 frames with Queen cells from Pete in April, originally was in a nuc but transferred to full size hive last weekend – has laying Queen (2014 Queen), she’s marked, slow to draw out brood comb

They need to draw the comb so the Queen can lay more eggs so I have strong hives for July nectar flow.

The allotment is also beginning to bloom and providing some flowers for the bees:

Beehive, Potatoes, Globe Artichoke
Beehives, Potatoes & Globe Artichoke – June 2014

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Author: Roger

regaining my sanity through beekeeping

2 thoughts on “4 Hives With 4 Laying Queens”

  1. Sounds good! What has been your supers regime with the swarms etc? Do you have any on now and are they filling up yet or are you hoping for a big nectar flow in July?

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