1) Would you advise for or against Spirulina Patties? 1:29 2) I'm getting a Nucleus in April. I understand the Nucleus will probably have Varroa Mites. Suggestions on what mite control product to use? 7:28 3) I am interested in becoming a beekeeper this spring. I don't have the resources/space for more hives, what is your method to prevent swarms? 11:20 4) How do I know when to reuse old comb? I've been keeping bees for seven years now. 16:17 5) Our club received a call for a hive in a tree. It was completely exposed and just fans of beeswax. Why would bees do this? 21:02 6) This April I am looking forward to the spring and splits. Would you recommend splitting by the artificial swarm method? 24:20 7) One of my hives has bee-poo all over the mountain camp sugar. Can you talk about nosema? 29:22 8) Why wouldn't I just use a 10 frame box with a follower board instead of a nuc? 39:36 9) I thought maybe creating a Long Langstroth hive on a tilt or slope, perhaps 25 to 30 degrees may act like a vertical hive. Thoughts? 45:55 10) If people place the green drone frames and then don't remove them on time, are they really producing mite-bombs? 49:41 11) I wonder if I should spray a pallet with water proofer for longevity or is that bad for the bees? 58:21 12) Assuming my flow hives make it through winter with the single deep and medium boxes, what's my next move? 1:01:30
Ok.. your this video/channel just popped up outta no where!🐝🍯🍯🍯 How Luvlie!😍❄🐝🍯 Thank You so much for your work! Just the snow scene and touch of honey my winter soul needed... Sweet!!!😁
Danny from West Richland here....Great minds? (sic) think alike it would seem! Thanks for the video link to the Colony Keeper tilted hive. Although I imagined a slope of 30º from the horizontal as opposed to the vertical, the more vertical the better for humidity control. The hive in action video shows it working well, I think. Great ideas. Thanks.
Fred & others: the bees in the open hive were very docile. Even when I stood just an arm's length from the hive, they ignored me. I started clipping branches before setting the hive into a regular Langstroth deep box, & they weren't bothered. Maybe they were just happy to be out of the weather.
Will you be able to dig yourself out of the snow to make to the Pittsburgh show? The Bees have been flying here. Dr. Seeley is doing a remote, should be interesting. Been awhile since I've heard him talk, things have been changing.
Hi Fred… at 45:00 into you video you mentioned free prints and earlier you mentioned 5 over 5 hives (rather than nucs)…I remember you mentioned you might experiment with a couple of flow frames in the top honey super. Can you sketch what you are proposing, please? And what modifications you need to fit the Flow Frames? Cheers, John
The 5 over 5 hives are indeed the nucleus hives. I've just been expanding them to triple stacks so they could be used as the actual full time hive rather than just a resource. Regarding Flow-Frame mods, I haven't done anything with that... "yet". That's a project for summer, and I won't post a print/design until I've tested it out. Find prints here: www.fredsfinefowl.com/printsforyou.html
I don’t see much of brown spots on snow since I’ve started to use sugar boards… for at least 5 years now… but the thing is that they get on sugar boards almost right away and leave honey practically intact… so last couple of years i don’t even bother to feed any syrup, just put a large sugar boards on. I’m in southern NH
I agree, the only hives that get sugar syrup are new swarms, or splits that are undersized. The full size colonies don't reveive it just because they don't need it. I've substituted fondant in place of dry sugar starting last winter.
Yes! It's Fred day! Looks like you lost some snow. I have 2] 6 frame and 2] 7 frame Layens 'nucs' that I put HiveAlive fondant in a frame feeder on the end of hive, won't check them till we get a warm day in February, they are still buzzing. Thanks for another Q&A
I figured I'd send viewers to the inventor of the Colony Keeper. I think if people do a general search they will find lots of people testing them. Thanks for sharing. How did it work out for Jason?
@@FrederickDunn not sure he hasn’t done an update on it since he set it up. I only found one other RUclips channel using the colony keeper and it’s name is Nathan Church no real update there either.
Thank you Fred! Wanted to know more about this product and as you pointed out the bees collect plenty of this from nature and I have lots of swampy spring feed land in my area so the bees already have a resource.
Thanks for video, I think it has helped me decide that my direction is correct moving forward. Every area is a little different, and mine is right there and then some. I look forward to seeing more of your videos and really need to check out your way to bee site.
I don't freeze them, I take them straight to the chickens and the birds uncap the pupae. The reason I don't freeze them is that in a strong colony there really haven't been any waxworm issues. Remember it's going right back into the hive after 5 days. You "could" freeze the frames if they are going to storage.
Hi Fred, I have noticed checking out the tops of my colonies some are creating a green powdery mold from the moisture. In your experience is mold harmful to the bees? I did notice the moldy colonies are further down in the hives than the not as moldy colonies. Thanks for your videos.
That's an interesting observation. I can't say I've had any green mold in a hive. But, I also can't say that it would be considered harmful to the bees. Is it above or below the clusters?
@@jamestownsendjrtbees3226 Hmmm, is there an insulated cover? Is there a chance that the hive is too large for the resident colony? At any rate, I don't think it's likely a problem and they "should" clear it up when warm weather returns.
@Frederick Dunn I usually use quilt boxes but decided on half to try something different. I have a deep, medium, inner cover with notch up, 3/4" plywood over the inner cover, 1" foam board then telescoping top. Plus bee cozy around each colony. Lots of moisture in between the inner cover and plywood. I think I like my quilt boxes?
I use Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey, Exterior, Penetrating Stain. I have used it for 4 years and my equipment still almost looks new. I would highly recommend it. It is a by product from making cheese. Great video sir.
@@FrederickDunn i would say that it is similar to a milk paint from what I have read about it but I have never used a milk paint. I got the idea from Vino Farms and it is really good and seems to be holding really nice. Like eco stain the wood can still split though.
If you were starting a new split into a Long Lang and adding 10 full frames from another hive, how many empty frames would you add to those 10 and would you split those empty frames in half and put them on each side of the drawn frames? Say for instance: 4 empty/ 10 drawn/ 4 empty? Or 10 drawn near entrance then 8 empty near the follower board?
With 10 full frames, I would have 3 in reserve. If there are dedicated honey frames wihthout brood, I'd place the new undrawn frames in-between them. I would not divide any brood frames with new comb or foundation. I hope that makes sense.
@@FrederickDunn so for instance (in order) 8 brood frames, 3 new frames between, then 2 honey frames. Would 2 honey frames normally suffice for 8 brood frames or would they need more honey frames without supplemental feeding during spring.
getting close to episode #200, even thought my triple nuc died out ill continue to try them,good info today about over wintered queens ,daughters finding local genes at dca's,i also like the info on small entrances to keep brood near the vent....cant wait for spring
We are all looking forward to spring! I really just want to get out in the apiary and begin another year of learning :) Maybe I should do something special for episode 200... hmmm...
@@FrederickDunn your reading my mind....im so greatful to have your mentoring,when all i had was you tube,ive learned alot,and continue,such a great adventure,...maybe do episode #200 ,with your grandkids helping you in the apiary, and more highlights of your photography ,....could you explain what you know about fondant for bees vs bakers fondant,thats a topic i could use help with,thank u
Fred, I’m going to be using green drone comb this year but not necessarily for IPM. I was watching another RUclips channel and they were talking about the bees don’t make much if any burr, or comb at the bottom of frames for drones. Makes sense to me. I think it would keep everything a little cleaner. Thanks for your videos
I have a split rail fence about 12' from my landing boards. Want ass a WiFi HD camera. I can run AC to the fence. About 100' from the fence to the PC. Suggestions?? Thank as always!!!
If you plan to run AC to the fence, and it's just 100' from your Computer or wifi hub, that's close enough for either a Blink camera or Arlo. Both would work. I have Arlo cameras that are sending signals more than 100 yards.
Hi Brad, that completely depends on how large the colony of bees is in the hive. You should see that number drop dramatically with subsequent treatments.
Hello Fred. I need your help. Awhile back you did a shout out to Emily @ beefit beekeeping and I have been following her. She uses a hive data sheet that I want to try,(I need better but simple records) but I get no response from her. What do you use? W hat I would like is one hive per sheet and then spaces on down to record dates and findings. Cannot find anything like this online🙁 I tried to look on your website as well but am electronically handicapped 😊 any help would be much appreciated. You are awesome! Anita
Wow, I'm surprised that she wouldn't respond to you. Here you go: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/osceola/documents/agriculture/Copy-of-KVBA-Hive-Inspection-Sheet.pdf
I made candy boards with Hive Alive supplement with a ratio of 2.5ml per kg of sugar, The bees are consuming the candy at a good clip. I chose this method thinking that the candy board will also help absorb excess moisture. Are there any compelling reasons for using Hive Alive fondant vs, candy boards mixed with Hive Alive supplement?
The only drawback associated with a more solid brick of candy over softer fondant is that there is evidence that it rubs the honey bee tongues smooth, removing the valuable hairs in the process. Not sure to what extent that is occuring. But it's moved me more toward the fondant.
Dirt Rooster just posted an open-air hive removal. Check it out. He says he doesn't see them often, but Mike Barry and JP and Mr. Ed see them regularly.
I bet fire ants would do a great job at cleaning out drone comb if you don’t have chickens or birds that eat them. Some people put skulls on fire ant mounds to clean them off.
ke Aloha Fred! our IPM drone larvae and brood have been a part of the Hawai`i bird restoration! Last year we became on of the area beekeepers that responded to this a request by the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center: "BEE LARVAE NEEDED The Keauhou Bird Conservation Center is searching for bee larvae to raise endangered Hawaiian birds! " It has been a great year knowing and actually visiting one of the conservation facilities using our IPM drone larvae and brood to feed these special birds. RUclips on the birds being fed: ruclips.net/video/eM24DCwlpsI/видео.html
1) Would you advise for or against Spirulina Patties? 1:29
2) I'm getting a Nucleus in April. I understand the Nucleus will probably have Varroa Mites. Suggestions on what mite control product to use? 7:28
3) I am interested in becoming a beekeeper this spring. I don't have the resources/space for more hives, what is your method to prevent swarms? 11:20
4) How do I know when to reuse old comb? I've been keeping bees for seven years now. 16:17
5) Our club received a call for a hive in a tree. It was completely exposed and just fans of beeswax. Why would bees do this? 21:02
6) This April I am looking forward to the spring and splits. Would you recommend splitting by the artificial swarm method? 24:20
7) One of my hives has bee-poo all over the mountain camp sugar. Can you talk about nosema? 29:22
8) Why wouldn't I just use a 10 frame box with a follower board instead of a nuc? 39:36
9) I thought maybe creating a Long Langstroth hive on a tilt or slope, perhaps 25 to 30 degrees may act like a vertical hive. Thoughts? 45:55
10) If people place the green drone frames and then don't remove them on time, are they really producing mite-bombs? 49:41
11) I wonder if I should spray a pallet with water proofer for longevity or is that bad for the bees? 58:21
12) Assuming my flow hives make it through winter with the single deep and medium boxes, what's my next move? 1:01:30
Thank you!
Spirulina dried out quickly. But they also were rated poorly in Randy Oliver's testing. They were the bees' last choice of all the products he tested.
my favorite video in the series so far. So many questions were answered for me. Thank you :)
Hi Anna, that makes me feel like I'm doing some good. Much appreciated!
Wonderful drive time video! I’m driving slow so I can stay longer. Haha
I received an interesting package today (';') ! Have a nice drive, Randy! and thank you!
Ok.. your this video/channel just popped up outta no where!🐝🍯🍯🍯 How Luvlie!😍❄🐝🍯 Thank You so much for your work! Just the snow scene and touch of honey my winter soul needed... Sweet!!!😁
Thank you, Rebecca :)
Fred's the best
Danny from West Richland here....Great minds? (sic) think alike it would seem! Thanks for the video link to the Colony Keeper tilted hive. Although I imagined a slope of 30º from the horizontal as opposed to the vertical, the more vertical the better for humidity control. The hive in action video shows it working well, I think. Great ideas. Thanks.
Fred & others:
the bees in the open hive were very docile. Even when I stood just an arm's length from the hive, they ignored me. I started clipping branches before setting the hive into a regular Langstroth deep box, & they weren't bothered. Maybe they were just happy to be out of the weather.
Thank you, David! That sounds like a truly fantastic experience. I appreciate that you shared about it.
From the videos I have been seeing on sunflowers, I'll be planting my a bunch of those this Spring.
At the very least, they look great and provide for a wide variety of wildlife. :)
Thank you Fred, as always, have a fantastic weekend, love the snow scene!
Thanks, you too!
Fred, you asked which wild birds were going after the drone pupae - mostly cat birds but also cardinals and one day we had a downy woodpecker.
Hmmmm.... I think I may need to build a wild bird rack for that :) Thank you for sharing!
Did not know the darker the honey, the more particulates. Interesting. A great tip for treating on the 8th day.
Thanks, Brian :)
Will you be able to dig yourself out of the snow to make to the Pittsburgh show? The Bees have been flying here. Dr. Seeley is doing a remote, should be interesting. Been awhile since I've heard him talk, things have been changing.
Not sure... I don't know much about the Pittsburgh show?
Best part about Friday.
Thank you :)
Great Video Fred, Great Information and Great questions answered! Take Care Fred
Hi Fred… at 45:00 into you video you mentioned free prints and earlier you mentioned 5 over 5 hives (rather than nucs)…I remember you mentioned you might experiment with a couple of flow frames in the top honey super. Can you sketch what you are proposing, please? And what modifications you need to fit the Flow Frames?
Cheers, John
The 5 over 5 hives are indeed the nucleus hives. I've just been expanding them to triple stacks so they could be used as the actual full time hive rather than just a resource. Regarding Flow-Frame mods, I haven't done anything with that... "yet". That's a project for summer, and I won't post a print/design until I've tested it out. Find prints here: www.fredsfinefowl.com/printsforyou.html
I don’t see much of brown spots on snow since I’ve started to use sugar boards… for at least 5 years now… but the thing is that they get on sugar boards almost right away and leave honey practically intact… so last couple of years i don’t even bother to feed any syrup, just put a large sugar boards on.
I’m in southern NH
I agree, the only hives that get sugar syrup are new swarms, or splits that are undersized. The full size colonies don't reveive it just because they don't need it. I've substituted fondant in place of dry sugar starting last winter.
Super stuff as always 👍🏻 , have a fabulous weekend everyone 🇬🇧
Thank you, Darren! The same to you.
Yes! It's Fred day! Looks like you lost some snow. I have 2] 6 frame and 2] 7 frame Layens 'nucs' that I put HiveAlive fondant in a frame feeder on the end of hive, won't check them till we get a warm day in February, they are still buzzing. Thanks for another Q&A
Thanks :)
Thank you Fred for another informative video. I did see the tilted hive long ago but will visit for a refresher.
I think it's been out for a couple of years, I hope it works out for those who have it.
Jason from Bohemia Bees showcased the Colony Keeper Hive two years ago. As always I enjoy your videos. Thanks for all you do.
I figured I'd send viewers to the inventor of the Colony Keeper. I think if people do a general search they will find lots of people testing them. Thanks for sharing. How did it work out for Jason?
@@FrederickDunn not sure he hasn’t done an update on it since he set it up. I only found one other RUclips channel using the colony keeper and it’s name is Nathan Church no real update there either.
Thank you Fred! Wanted to know more about this product and as you pointed out the bees collect plenty of this from nature and I have lots of swampy spring feed land in my area so the bees already have a resource.
Glad it was helpful!
8:28 great advice for swarms, i'll do this from now on :)
Thank you :)
Thanks for video, I think it has helped me decide that my direction is correct moving forward. Every area is a little different, and mine is right there and then some. I look forward to seeing more of your videos and really need to check out your way to bee site.
Glad it was helpful!
@@FrederickDunn You have a sneaky way of helping people believe it or not, and that's a good thing!
i could watch that opening over and over and over but dont want to be in that snow!!!!!!
Thank you!
Thank you for another awesome video!! I learn something every time I watch your videos!
Thank you, Melissa. I'm always happy to know that I've shared something useful :)
happy friday...yall
Same to you :)
Thanks Fred learnt something new again ❤
You are very welcome, Emma! I'm glad I didn't waste your time :)
Another great show Fred, there is another slanted hive it is called the Parkinson hive can be found on you tube using the same name. Thanks again.
Thanks, I hope those who are interested will be able to find it.
Question when you feed your drones to your chickens do you freeze it before or after feeding it?
I don't freeze them, I take them straight to the chickens and the birds uncap the pupae. The reason I don't freeze them is that in a strong colony there really haven't been any waxworm issues. Remember it's going right back into the hive after 5 days. You "could" freeze the frames if they are going to storage.
Finally first. Hi Frederick
Congratulations, Jim :)
On your long Lang is there 3/8" bee space between the top of the frames and the cover boards?
Exactly... yes.
Hi Fred, I have noticed checking out the tops of my colonies some are creating a green powdery mold from the moisture. In your experience is mold harmful to the bees? I did notice the moldy colonies are further down in the hives than the not as moldy colonies. Thanks for your videos.
That's an interesting observation. I can't say I've had any green mold in a hive. But, I also can't say that it would be considered harmful to the bees. Is it above or below the clusters?
@@FrederickDunn Thanks for getting back to me. The mold is all above the clusters.
@@jamestownsendjrtbees3226 Hmmm, is there an insulated cover? Is there a chance that the hive is too large for the resident colony? At any rate, I don't think it's likely a problem and they "should" clear it up when warm weather returns.
@Frederick Dunn I usually use quilt boxes but decided on half to try something different. I have a deep, medium, inner cover with notch up, 3/4" plywood over the inner cover, 1" foam board then telescoping top. Plus bee cozy around each colony. Lots of moisture in between the inner cover and plywood. I think I like my quilt boxes?
I use Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey, Exterior, Penetrating Stain. I have used it for 4 years and my equipment still almost looks new. I would highly recommend it. It is a by product from making cheese. Great video sir.
Thanks for sharing! I've heard a little about that, like a milk-paint? Interesting, and I'm glad it's holding up well.
@@FrederickDunn i would say that it is similar to a milk paint from what I have read about it but I have never used a milk paint. I got the idea from Vino Farms and it is really good and seems to be holding really nice. Like eco stain the wood can still split though.
I took the plunge and bought an Oxalic Acid Vap from Lorobees. I'll let you know how well it works for me later this year.
He sells two, I hope you selected the InstantVap that takes batteries?
If you were starting a new split into a Long Lang and adding 10 full frames from another hive, how many empty frames would you add to those 10 and would you split those empty frames in half and put them on each side of the drawn frames? Say for instance: 4 empty/ 10 drawn/ 4 empty? Or 10 drawn near entrance then 8 empty near the follower board?
With 10 full frames, I would have 3 in reserve. If there are dedicated honey frames wihthout brood, I'd place the new undrawn frames in-between them. I would not divide any brood frames with new comb or foundation. I hope that makes sense.
@@FrederickDunn so for instance (in order) 8 brood frames, 3 new frames between, then 2 honey frames. Would 2 honey frames normally suffice for 8 brood frames or would they need more honey frames without supplemental feeding during spring.
I’m using Hive Alive fondant and my 5 colonies are doing great!!!!
That's great news. Thanks for sharing.
Love shot outs
Do you think Mr Ross would be willing to draw up plans based on Dr Leo's plans? I find Mr Ross's plans are bit easier to read.
We can't nab Dr. Leo's plans, he counts on people coming to his site, he's in business. Unless he asked for them, it would be bad form in my opinion.
getting close to episode #200, even thought my triple nuc died out ill continue to try them,good info today about over wintered queens ,daughters finding local genes at dca's,i also like the info on small entrances to keep brood near the vent....cant wait for spring
We are all looking forward to spring! I really just want to get out in the apiary and begin another year of learning :) Maybe I should do something special for episode 200... hmmm...
@@FrederickDunn your reading my mind....im so greatful to have your mentoring,when all i had was you tube,ive learned alot,and continue,such a great adventure,...maybe do episode #200 ,with your grandkids helping you in the apiary, and more highlights of your photography ,....could you explain what you know about fondant for bees vs bakers fondant,thats a topic i could use help with,thank u
Fred, I’m going to be using green drone comb this year but not necessarily for IPM. I was watching another RUclips channel and they were talking about the bees don’t make much if any burr, or comb at the bottom of frames for drones. Makes sense to me. I think it would keep everything a little cleaner. Thanks for your videos
Interesting!
I have a split rail fence about 12' from my landing boards. Want ass a WiFi HD camera. I can run AC to the fence. About 100' from the fence to the PC. Suggestions?? Thank as always!!!
If you plan to run AC to the fence, and it's just 100' from your Computer or wifi hub, that's close enough for either a Blink camera or Arlo. Both would work. I have Arlo cameras that are sending signals more than 100 yards.
Ok Frederick, after my recent OA treatment I counted 229 dead mites on my bottom pest tray. Is that a huge number or not?
Hi Brad, that completely depends on how large the colony of bees is in the hive. You should see that number drop dramatically with subsequent treatments.
Just wanted to thank you Frederick for all the years of support. Thanks to you I know it all now!--NOT.
GRATEFUL.
Hi Brad, you're welcome, and no one knows it all :) we're all learning as we go :)
@@FrederickDunn guess you missed the pun-“Not!” I know I don’t b
Hello Fred. I need your help. Awhile back you did a shout out to Emily @ beefit beekeeping and I have been following her. She uses a hive data sheet that I want to try,(I need better but simple records) but I get no response from her. What do you use? W hat I would like is one hive per sheet and then spaces on down to record dates and findings. Cannot find anything like this online🙁 I tried to look on your website as well but am electronically handicapped 😊 any help would be much appreciated. You are awesome! Anita
Wow, I'm surprised that she wouldn't respond to you. Here you go: sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/media/sfylifasufledu/osceola/documents/agriculture/Copy-of-KVBA-Hive-Inspection-Sheet.pdf
@@FrederickDunn wow Fred thanks!
Thank you, pronounced my name correctly.
I'm so glad! And you're very welcome.
I made candy boards with Hive Alive supplement with a ratio of 2.5ml per kg of sugar, The bees are consuming the candy at a good clip. I chose this method thinking that the candy board will also help absorb excess moisture. Are there any compelling reasons for using Hive Alive fondant vs, candy boards mixed with Hive Alive supplement?
The only drawback associated with a more solid brick of candy over softer fondant is that there is evidence that it rubs the honey bee tongues smooth, removing the valuable hairs in the process. Not sure to what extent that is occuring. But it's moved me more toward the fondant.
Thank you Fredrick. That is very interesting.
Dirt Rooster just posted an open-air hive removal. Check it out. He says he doesn't see them often, but Mike Barry and JP and Mr. Ed see them regularly.
Thanks for sharing, I think in warmer climates they would be more frequent. I think I'd be tempted to cut he branch and save them as art exhibits :)
I bet fire ants would do a great job at cleaning out drone comb if you don’t have chickens or birds that eat them. Some people put skulls on fire ant mounds to clean them off.
We don't have those year, but I'm sure ants would remove all protein and any honey residue.
Checking out Mark Waring's video.
Very complex system, let us know what your thoughts are. :)
ke Aloha Fred! our IPM drone larvae and brood have been a part of the Hawai`i bird restoration! Last year we became on of the area beekeepers that responded to this a request by the Keauhou Bird Conservation Center:
"BEE LARVAE NEEDED
The Keauhou Bird Conservation Center is searching for
bee larvae to raise endangered Hawaiian birds! "
It has been a great year knowing and actually visiting one of the conservation facilities using our IPM drone larvae and brood to feed these special birds.
RUclips on the birds being fed:
ruclips.net/video/eM24DCwlpsI/видео.html
That is VERY interesting! I will get a cappuccino and follow that video link! Thank you so much for sharing. I really enjoy learning something new.
@@FrederickDunn If you are heading to Hawai`i Island, and would like to see this use of IPM drone brood & larvae, let us know!
🇱🇨👍🏼♥️