I’ve just stumbled across this amazing footage from the BBC of a Queen (Princess) bees maiden flight and her mating with drones.
Strangely enough I’ve just realised the significance of the term “maiden flight”.
No explanation necessary – it is amazing to watch.
First was Queen 3L LS (Queen Madonna that I received 11 days ago) and today I welcomed Queen 71L (Queen Magdelan) along with the nuc split from North Brisbane Bee Keepers Association’s Treasurer, John’s healthy hives from just around the corner in Geebung.
The queen is kept inside a purpose made cage with a few of her workers which is then sealed with candy (an icing sugar type mix). It is the job of both the queen and her new bees to eat the candy out to free her which should take between 2 days and a week. This allows the hive to acclimate to her.
So it was a very busy day at Bee School with 12 new queens being introduced to 12 new Nucs so we really tested the boundaries of the established hives as each Nuc needed 2 if not 3 frames of brood as well as a good store of honey.
A lot of hands on deck for the procedure so not nearly as stressful as I expected. Thanks bee school team!!
Today was a public holiday in Brisbane thanks to the Ekka. I hope that next year I will be competing in the Honey Court with my Mead at the Ekka but I’ve got a fair wait til then. While I’m still a newbee learning the ropes, I took the opportunity to get a morning in at Bee School. I am a fortunate member of the North Brisbane Bee Keepers Association and our Treasurer John, kindly imparts his wisdom to other members from his hive site at Geebung.
Today we were keeping an eye out for hives that could be split as many of us will be receiving new queens on Saturday and John has offered to supply nukes from splits of his very healthy hives.
If anyone is thinking about taking up Apiary (bee keeping) I highly recommend joining a club as there are heaps of people happy to share their knowledge and also to give you a helping hand when needed.
The lovely Nadine from Madame Honey who happens to also be a professional photographer, was on hand for me today to take a proper in focus photo of my queen (named Madonna) while I took a peek in my hive.
Isn’t she beautiful!
Welcome my Italian Beauties!
I’ve just taken possession of my first nuke box full of Italian Honey Bees from “The Bee Lady” Corrine in Carbrook. I wasn’t quite expecting them so early – since Queens aren’t usually available ti September, but we’ve had an unseasonably mild winter and mother nature has decided it was time.
These girls will be helping my Native bees (Tetragonula carbonaria) to help pollinate my veggie patch and keep me in a plentiful supply of golden honey.
virgin honey 