I had 2 of 4 hives survive the winter — not good, but one more than last year. Here is their status:
- Hive one: In year 2 after a swarm moved into a dead hive box. It was my big honey producer last year and seemed to be doing well and have plenty of honey stored until March, when the population dropped off big time. There is still a colony in there, but it’s not doing well. Unless there’s a big buildup soon, they will have missed the nectar flow here, and probably won’t make it.
- Hive 2: A new package this year from Taber’s Honeybee Genetics in Vacaville. Installed in mostly built-out comb April 9, and doing well so far.
- Hive 3: Did well until March, when they disappeared, totally, leaving honey and clean comb behind. No sign of disease. Prior to the abscond, I think they lost their queen, and I was unable to replace her before laying workers took over.
- Hive 4: In year 2, package bees that produced no extra honey last year, but doing well this year. I put a super on 2 weeks ago, and will check this weekend.
Beekeeping is an art, a hobby, a business and an ecological challenge. Those of us who have honeybees as pets become very fond of them … all 50,000 or so in a good hive. I look forward to writing about them here.