Sustainable beekeeping, chickens, and cake
We are due some sporty weather over the net few days due to Storm Brendan passing through, and there is no sign yet of any spring forage, although I did notice the hazel catkins in the field opposite me, and the gorse shrubs - even though they are few and far between in my area … Continue reading More inspection boards
I went to check on my bees today and see if they were flying, as it is quite mild and the wind has dropped. There was activity with all of them apart from the very late swarm I collected in August. I noticed my stick entrance block had been dislodged so I presumed a mouse … Continue reading Hive Failure
A crisp cold day at the Berwick Solar Farm, and the redwings were out in force on the hawthorn shrubs as they are still festooned with berries. Two buzzards flew up from the large puddle in the parking area; I normally see snipe. As the sun was shining on the hive entrance, there were a … Continue reading Thermosolar Hive in Winter
At this time of year, I keep an eye on my bees by checking their flights and the Varroa board. Today was rainy and cool so I wasn't expecting any bees to be out, but I did want to check the boards. The Varroa (or inspection) board sits under the mesh floor of the hive, … Continue reading Inspection Boards