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Wednesday, May 7, 2008

Week Three - 3rd Hive Check

Today I got to visit the hives for the third time.

Temperature: Low 70's
Weather: Sunny, slight wind

#1 - 10 Frame Hive -Lots of activity outside the hive. Bees returning to hive with full pollen sacks (yellow and red). Minor activity on frames 1,2,3,8,9,10. Comb being drawn out nicely on 4,5,6. Frames getting much heavier. Good brood and honey capping. Good brood pattern. Nice larvae and egg development. Did not see the queen. Bees bubbling out of the top of hive. Feeder has been being fed on. Need to add syrup next week.



#2 - 9 Frame Hive (Now 10 frame hive) - Half the activity of hive # 1 outside. Bees returning to hive with full pollen sacks (multi-color). Less activity inside hive. Seemed a little lethargic. Still no activity on frames 1,2,3,8,9,10. Lots of burr comb throughout hive. Comb being drawn out nicely on 4,5,6. Capping of honey on top and outside edges of hive. Several flying in my face to investigate me. Seemed more aggressive than #1. Removed frames, removed 9 space divider, added tenth frame. Feeder has been being fed on. Need to add syrup next week. Similar to last week, attempted sting on gloves.

Lessons Learned
Brood Box - Never use nine frames in brood box.

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