Backyard Beekeeping Questions and Answers Episode 222, Queen Isolation Cages as well as Queen Introduction and much more...

Thank you for listening to another episode of Backyard Beekeeping topics.

This is the audio track from today's YouTube:  https://youtu.be/LKqJMfQ4aO0

 

Topics and time-stamps below are generously provided by Adam Holmes

@Adam.Holmes.

 

1) When do you put Hive Alive Fondant on your hive? 5:45

 

2) This is my first year winterizing my colonies. I use rapid round feeders, when it gets cold how do I use an inner cover if using a feeder shim? 9:24

 

3) We found no eggs, brood, or evidence of a queen. We ordered in a new queen and then found a queen inside the hive that just wasn't laying eggs. I am stumped. 14:01

 

4) I would enjoy hearing your opinion on handling the fall flow. I run double deeps and have 1 super. I do not want to have to feed over winter. 16:44

 

5) I keep large concrete blocks on top of my hives. During the last warm spell, I noticed that his block gets very hot and my bees are bearding a lot. I was wondering if it would be better to use a different method. 20:24

 

6) I have a question about the divider board on a Layens hive. Is it necessary to leave a small gap underneath the board when you're getting the bees ready for winter? 24:59

 

7) When you have a queenless hive or nuc, queen cells have been started and some are capped. Then you install a new queen, is it necessary to tear down the cells or can you leave them for the queen or workers to destroy? 27:55

 

8) I know you have spoken at great length about top entrances and ventilation. It seems for the most part that you're against the concept. I've also heard folks say that bees know what's best for themselves. That being said, I keep a two-inch hole in my inner covers and covered with #8 hardware cloth. The bees seem to regulate this opening with propolis depending on the time of year. Aren't you deciding for the bees what is best for them without letting them regulate what's easiest and best for their hive condition? Why, or why not? 29:35

 

9) I started 2 resource hives that are 5-frame in the spring. Both colonies have grown to 5 boxes high. How to reduce for winter? 41:10

 

10) Currently Iowa is in a level 3 drought. How long should I feed them, should I feed open or inside the hives? Can I take a break or maybe start in hive feeding? It's never been this hot and dry before since I've had bees. 44:44

 

11) Can you explain on your Friday video why you used the isolation frame, and a bit more info on it as I'm not sure you have shown it before. 48:48

 

12) Should I be concerned about oxalic acid residue in my honey? 59:42

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