robeez 11 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 I am new to beekeeping its something I have always wanted to do.3 days ago I got a call from my nana saying there was a swarm in her garden so it was an opportunity I couldn't pass on.I already had all the gear and have read some books.Everything went well and now they look settled in there new hive.I just want to make sure I do everything right so if anyone could give me some advice on what I need to do in the next few weeks? I would really appreciate it.I don't have any beekeeping friends yet but now I will join the local bee club. thanks in advance. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Stockley 3,417 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Well done @robeez . Welcome to the forum and to you new favourite hobby. Link to post Share on other sites
deejaycee 2,457 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Congrats on the catch Step 1: Register yourself and your apiary: New to beekeeping/ apiary registration form Step 2. Make sure you have enough boxes and frames ready. It's always more than you think. And welcome along. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
api mania 205 Posted November 2, 2015 Share Posted November 2, 2015 Treat your swarm for Varroa, put a couple of strips in for a few days before they have capped brood. 2 Link to post Share on other sites
robeez 11 Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 Thanks for the advice so far.I did my first hive inspection today and put in the varroa treatment strips.I found what I think is a queen cell on one of the frames but it is quite low which I have read could be a swarm cell,i would appreciate your advice on this.Also im wondering if I should be feeding some sugar syrip to help them get started? Link to post Share on other sites
Trevor Gillbanks 6,847 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 That is burr comb. Pull it down. There should be no need to feed at this time or the year. Welcome along to the forum @robeez Link to post Share on other sites
robeez 11 Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 That is burr comb. Pull it down. There should be no need to feed at this time or the year. Welcome along to the forum @robeez Awesome, thanks for that. Link to post Share on other sites
tristan 4,362 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 yes, its bur comb. you can see that the frame hasn't been waxed properly so they won't draw the frame out fully. when you can, maybe next season, swap it out for a good frame. Link to post Share on other sites
Bron 2,780 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 @robeez Pretty sure that underneath those bees in the new comb you should see a bit of nectar. Swarms are really good at finding tucker, particularly at this time of year. It will look shiny and a bit watery. All the best with your bees:) Link to post Share on other sites
robeez 11 Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 yes, its bur comb. you can see that the frame hasn't been waxed properly so they won't draw the frame out fully.when you can, maybe next season, swap it out for a good frame. Thanks for the advice.I have 2 brand new 3 box hives with these frames so would you suggest replacing all the frames? Link to post Share on other sites
robeez 11 Posted November 10, 2015 Author Share Posted November 10, 2015 @robeez Pretty sure that underneath those bees in the new comb you should see a bit of nectar. Swarms are really good at finding tucker, particularly at this time of year. It will look shiny and a bit watery. All the best with your bees:) Yes I did see quite a bit of shiny watery stuff I thought might be nectar.thanks Link to post Share on other sites
tristan 4,362 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Thanks for the advice.I have 2 brand new 3 box hives with these frames so would you suggest replacing all the frames? if they are not drawn out check the waxing. if its not fully coated it may pay to do them again. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Rob Stockley 3,417 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 yes, its bur comb. you can see that the frame hasn't been waxed properly so they won't draw the frame out fully.when you can, maybe next season, swap it out for a good frame. Also make sure you have a full compliment of frames and while undrawn they must be hard together. If you space undrawn frames then the bees may be tempted to get creative. 1 Link to post Share on other sites
AdamD 338 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 "I don't have any beekeeping friends yet" You have now! Swarms are very good at drawing comb. If the frames are pushed together as Rob advises, they should draw it out well. If the weather changes for the worst, they will probably need feeding as they won't have much in the way of stores initially. Beware that bee numbers will drop before the new brood emerges. Link to post Share on other sites
Gavin Smith 446 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Welcome @robeez great start, you will get awesome support here. Link to post Share on other sites
yesbut 6,232 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Welcome @robeez great start, you will get awesome support here. Just don't mention "Bayer" :lol Link to post Share on other sites
deejaycee 2,457 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 Just don't mention "Bayer" :lol pppffffttt... rubbish. Bayer's been keeping my bees alive since before I they were my bees. and welcome, robeez 1 Link to post Share on other sites
Gavin Smith 446 Posted November 10, 2015 Share Posted November 10, 2015 I personally never mention it. , But i do try to remember to use spell check a little heads up there @robeez 1 Link to post Share on other sites
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