Welcoming Our New Bees
April is flying by and it’s been a whopper. So much has been going on–some good, some really not good, you know, life–but here’s something that brought the happy: we welcomed new bees to the garden.
Our colonies from last year didn’t make it. I am still so heartbroken I don’t think I can even talk about it. Let’s just say that this time, I made sure we were getting “untreated, small cell” bees, i.e. ones that are better adapted to the challenges of Varroa. Or, at least, that’s the hope.
I think I have another steep learning curve ahead of me this year and I hope to have better results. Sidebar, it’s been reported that in the state of North Carolina alone, beekeepers are reporting colony losses of about 35%. That’s insane. And a whole other topic.
The one good thing about having these empty hives is that we had lots of drawn comb as well as several frames of honey that I froze and saved. So, these new bees basically hit the ground running. No sugar water feeding, no crazy rush for them to build comb. In some of these photos, you can see the little bee booties up in the air fanning their Nasonov Gland to indicate HOME. Yes, this is your new home, my sweet friends!
Although I was hoping I’d never have to get more package bees because the process of collecting and transporting feels a bit like, to me, animal abuse, this is pretty much the only option for folks who use top bar beehives. That in mind, I made a point to do a much gentler install, just the tiniest bit of a bump-n-shake and then left them to slowly work their way in. It went beautifully and felt much calmer.
A week later, we went back in to remove the queen cages and the queens had already been accepted and released by the colony. Last year it was such a kerfuffle with the queens so this was a fortuitous start.
Since I posted some of the install videos on Instagram, I received several messages about our bees. I think beekeeping is a rewarding adventure but if you’re not sure if they’re for you there are so many ways you can help our pollinators, including encouraging native bees like Mason Bees. However, if you’re thinking about getting into Honey Bees, I’ve learned a lot from these folks:
Every time I see your bees I am amazed. This must be both rewarding and frustrating. But so beautiful to read about and see. What would the world do without people like you taking the time to help,
I can NOT wait to see your bees, chickens, roses – all of your garden. Would you take a little walk and tell them I am coming and can’t wait to meet them?
Haha yes the bees have me constantly in a glass cage of emotion! 😉
Can’t wait to show you everything…although it probably looks better in photos than in real life!
Thats amazing!
Im sorry for your guys losses.
Thank you, Jessica!