Dr Piggott has very generously offered to help us with our next colony of bees, as our local bee inspector, she is in contact with our Regional Bee Inspector, Mr Molyneux, who breeds Carniolan Bees known for their docile nature and resistance to disease. We hope to get two nucleus colonies, basically two half colonies of bees with a young Queen bee. These colonies 'build up' quickly in the spring, and in no time, will fill a full sized hive. Carniolan bees are not only famous for their 'laid back nature' but also their love of swarming... which for us will be great, as it means we can split our colonies, super experience for the children, and sell any surplus bees, generating income for the bee team. A swarm of bees is a worrying prospect to most people, but to beekeepers it is an opportunity to expand their stocks... When swarming, bees are often very calm and docile, as they are only concerned with finding a safe new home with their Queen!
Our two new colonies arrive at the same time as the snow!
On a very snowy Saturday morning, our two new 'nucs' arrive along with the very cold weather, not good for bees! We insulated the small hives as well as we could, and made sure they had enough stores to eat...and waited for spring to arrive!
Our two new colonies arrive at the same time as the snow!
On a very snowy Saturday morning, our two new 'nucs' arrive along with the very cold weather, not good for bees! We insulated the small hives as well as we could, and made sure they had enough stores to eat...and waited for spring to arrive!
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