Beekeeping Q&A Episode 281 winter feeding and more.

[@marobroski2286]

Dziękujemy.

[@FrederickDunn]

Wow, thank you so much for your generosity :) I really do appreciate it :)

[@rosswagner9083]

GREAT review of winter feeding information! I'm a first time keeper and after this video I feel like a have a great start and strategy for feeding my bees this winter! I love the how and why that you go over with these strategies.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much, I appreciate that feedback.

[@nancynolton6079]

Hi Fred - Thanks for the response to my question on brood cappings!

[@FrederickDunn]

You are very welcome, Nancy! I enjoyed that topic :)

[@rusticlifefarm6264]

Gloves (from a farm/horse person) get gloves wet while ON, then let them dry on... summer time it best ;) Works with Chaps too. I use the Purple Kimtech Nitrile gloves. They rip less and I roll them off when done so the inside dries out. Then I can use them about 5 times each ! Just turn right side out (blow into the wrist side to puff out the fingers) . FYI my bees are flying right now, sun shining on them, at 37º

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing! All great pointers. :)

[@Duane-n1b]

Excellent episode

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you :)

[@rosswagner9083]

Thanks!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you, Ross, I really appreciate the support :)

[@Hayyou-n5x]

Yes, I also use the same size entrance year around here in the Texas desert I use 5/16 inch by 2.5 inches, a large hive for me is 3 medium 8 frame boxes.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much for sharing what you do, and what the results are. Much appreciated :)

[@redfish440]

Thanks Fred, I hope the supervisor got plenty of sweets this year,have a great weekend!

[@FrederickDunn]

He did! He called me just to let me know that he has some full sized snickers just for me :) What a great kid!

[@billprivette6885]

Brilliant!!! I have sprayed sugar water on robbers to stop them but powdered sugar is ticket! I just happen to have a supply of powdered sugar.

[@FrederickDunn]

You'll really enjoy that method :)

[@guiart4728]

On fire tonight! Great informative presentation!

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much :)

[@rodneymiddleton9624]

Thanks Fred!

[@FrederickDunn]

You're welcome, Rodney! :)

[@Adam.Holmes.]

1) What's the best way to clean goatskin beekeeper gloves? 3:33 2) Is it safe to return reducers back to normal? 10:17 3) How good is regular pollen on sugar water mixed? 20:12 4) Are the robbing bees from my hives or another apiary? 32:02 5) Should reflectix go on the Apimaye feeder shim, or under it? 38:08 6) Problems with my OAV system, can I use it under the bottom screen? How do I clean the tube? 42:23 7) What's the difference between wax cappings on brood or honey cells. 52:21 8) I'd be concerned that foragers would be bringing in high moisture syrup if you put out light mixes late in the year. Thoughts? 1:03:56

[@jamescanderson1302]

slum-Gum is the best Attractant for swarms !!! put 1/2 cup next to your trap BINGO!!

[@FrederickDunn]

I agree, anything that's loaded with beeswax, brood cells, or propolis will all serve as a scout-magnet. :)

[@uamiable]

I love the intro footage, I want to learn how to support bees in my region

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much! The very best thing you can do is to support all pollinators with healthy environmental resources. Water, forage in the form of flowering plants, and low pesticide use. I wish we could get homeowners everywhere onboard with better land management practices.

[@illumi-Nate]

I have 16 colonies & I built the equipment as I grew over 3 years..early summer I bought 65 unassembled complete hives(2 deeps 1 medium) with lids , inner covers, screened bottoms + frames &foundation for all,... my point is - it doesnt sound like much but it's insane the amount of equipment that actually is!!!!!! Need a big building just to store this stuff.. someone should've warned me lol

[@FrederickDunn]

That's a very common complaint from many new beekeepers who think they will just set out a hive or two and enjoy beekeeping. Storage organization is a critical part of a beekeeper's planning or you'll end up with equipment tossed everywhere. :)

[@craigkirich9646]

To my Western Pennsylvania Beekeepers. Giant Eagle stores have sugar, 4 pound bags 99 cents. Minimum 4, no max. Car load ;)

[@jasonseaward8506]

Oh wow, I wish I could find it that cheaply lol

[@FrederickDunn]

Shhh... wait until I go and get mine! My wife is on it! :) That's a fantastic rate and I wonder why they are having that sale. Thanks, Craig! The sale ends Wednesday.

[@Hayyou-n5x]

Wow thats cheap sugar, here in Texas a 50 pound bag is 36 dollars now at Sams club. just a few years ago it was 14 dollars for the same size bag.

[@craigkirich9646]

@@FrederickDunn I don't use much sugar, mainly when we have these false springs the last two years. But had to grab 50 bags at that price!

[@Hayyou-n5x]

@@craigkirich9646 I cut way back on buying sugar, this year I bought 150 pounds in February and 150 pounds in late August and next year I plan on 100 pounds spring and fall

[@lambbrookfarm4528]

TGI Fred Day Yeah!

[@FrederickDunn]

:)

[@saintjohncoleman8602]

Here in SE coastal VA, ag zone 7, its been 70-80 f during the day, and although the goldenrod and asters are still blooming, the bees are taking syrup with hive alive liquid added. They’re doing a great job cleaning out the used flow frames too.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for sharing what you're doing and how the warm weather is still facilitating syrup dosing. :) Hive Alive with its ingredients definitely put the smack-down on nosema ceranae. I tested that the first year, and those with hive alive had less than half the nosema spores as compared to those without. I stopped testing after the first winter with it. A definite winner. It's too late for that here now.

[@JGsgarage_unboxings]

Nice talking to you at the conference last weekend.

[@FrederickDunn]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate being able to visit in person :)

[@sonofthunder.]

Hello ,Mr Dunn😊

[@NancyTasker-gm4yq]

I'll see ya there.

[@FrederickDunn]

You know it, Nancy! :)

[@brianhoffman500]

Hi Fred, thanks for another great video. You mentioned you drill a quarter inch hole in slatted racks for OAV delivery. Do you plug the hole between treatments, or do you leave it open?

[@FrederickDunn]

Thanks for that question. I put a 1/4-20 threaded bolt in the hole so the bees don't just seal it up.

[@brianhoffman500]

@FrederickDunn Thank you!

[@sonofthunder.]

Recently saw a video if developing larva circling in jelly,then transitioning to upright spinning ,even appeared to attatch ,like a butterfly chrysalis does, as the purple eye stage,to emergence, in close up format,videography/time-lapse. The larva/ pupae spinning inside the hex cell was wild😅

[@kristalburgess96]

You can’t share something tantalising like that and then not share the link!

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, that's a pretty famous video time-lapse sequence. They already have the caps removed, and it was filmed in a climate controlled incubator with humidity controls to prevent dessication. Easily searchable. There were no nurse bees to feed them and also could not construct caps. kzbin.info/www/bejne/fKbZmYiohZKYj9Usi=gGokajGktbwmBNXj

[@michaelshelnutt3534]

Have you seen the OA strips sold now by Foxhound Bee Co?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, I have indeed. VarroxSan extended release. I spoke with several entomologists about it, and all I'll say is wait for further testing before spending your hard earned money on those just yet.

[@DonnaLeRowKy]

Fred, I am confused. I thought thin sugar syrup was not stored. I have been feeding thin syrup and all my colonies are honey bound. My queens have nowhere to lay. I am scrambling. Did I misunderstand something?

[@FrederickDunn]

I need more information, are you feeding that inside the hive, or at a feeding station? I'm not recommending large quantities of sugar syrup once the nights drop below freezing. I'll talk more, but please provide more information regarding quantity, mix, and how you're delivering it to your bees. Thanks :)

[@vickiswan9735]

And now Lorobbee is offering the InstantVap Lite...

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, I'll be checking that out in January at the Expo.

[@anitasetter7641]

Hello Fred…I am thinking of investing in a horizontal hive or a long lang but was wondering how do you clean the bottom? Does yours have removable trays? I also remember you saying bearsville bees had a good design or is there another you would recommend? Thanks a bunch😊

[@ME_MeAndMyBees]

Hi there. Here in Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 I have a DIY Horizontal Hive made from Pallet Wood (!) With a Solid Bottom Board, with approx x2 or x3 Inch Clearance between the Frame Bottom Rail, and that Solid Floor. To Clean : You either 'Scrape' and Remove Debris with your Hive Tool : Chickens love all that 'Protein rich Debris.' Or if you have access to that Black Fabric / with a Silver Sheen on Reverse : Builders use in making Internal Partition Walls / Staple that Insulation Fibre Fluff (before Plaster Board) is added etc. . . That Fabric makes Excellent Hive Floor (Removable Collection Sheet) and also a bit more Warmth for my Hard as Nails 'Scottish Bees.' ! 🤭 Builders always have tons of 'offcuts' dumped in Skips ! Or ask a Site Manager, your Local Builder Firm to 'keep' those Scrap Pieces. Do Remember a Horizontal Hive do better with Top Boards to lift individually. With a tad Bee Space just under these Boards, and also in between each Frame, means if you also 'Add a Full Width & Length Piece of Green Garden Plastic Fine Mesh (aka Plant Wind break !) Means you can open your H.H Lifting Hindged Lid. Then Remove an odd 'Board' to take a Peek say over the Brood Nest, YET because that "Mesh" is in Situ, you DONT need your Bee Suit on ! 😉 The 'Girls can Crawl around unhindered' but not get Out to Sting you ! Hive Inspections : Lift off those Boards, put to one side. Roll that Green Screen 'off' away towards the Supering end of the H.H. I have mine Nailed along that End Edge. Easy to remove back, put back in Place. (When End of Bee Season, I Roll that Mesh off completely,to the empty 'H.H' Internal End.) Bees need to get up to access "through those Cut Outs Holes, in order to get to that Food place on Top of those Boards !" 👍 Some of my 'Boards' have Circular Drill Saw Cutouts with a "Glass Coaster" Glued in Place to make 'Viewing' Mini Port Windows ! And another x2 with a Full Cut Out Hole (Keep that Cut Out as a Plug ! Add a Fold Down Ring Handle. 😉) These Boards will be the 'Feeding Hole(s) for the Bees to have Bee Fondant or Bee Candy, even a Sugar Brick in Situ (always in a Plastic Tub inverted) or Baggie, with a access Hole made in that too. Finally a good Couple of extra Sheets of that Black/Silver Fabric above the Boards, under that Top Sloping Roof* will mean Good Thick Insulation 'Top Placed' Thermal Warmth : allows Bees to have access to needed 'moisture' off Wall water Droplets via internal Condensation (!) This is Good ! No Hive should ever have under Roof 'Moisture' dripping down onto the Brood. That's Bee disaster !!! Deadly. . . 😵‍💫 Finally being in Scotland we have plenty of 'Sheep Farms.' (With 'raggy' felted Fleece ! Say a sheep who has scratched themselves against a Fence Post etc ! Wool is binned !) But is 'Free' Internal Wall Insulation, between that out Pallet Wall, Inner Wall ! Hope this helps. 😎 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Happy Beekeeping 2024 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 In choosing a "Horizontal Hive." What's your Weather like*. Hot Full Sun beating down on that Roof* (?) Say Stateside long Summer ! A very long x5 Month Wet then very Cold Scottish Winter* ? Both do better with Sloping Roofs* (!) With plenty of 'under Roof' Cavity Space* to accommodate: Feed + Insulate + store a Hive Tool, + Have Boards, and + that useful 'View' but not get to You 'placed Mesh' : See them, without the Bees getting up, Out to you ! 🙄 Finally : Can you do Bee needed Colony 'Manipulation's' ?? Room to do : eg, easy adding of New Frames, take others out. Take a Brood Frame from another Colony, be same Frame Type !? 'Say to make own Queen Cells,' do a Split ? Also, by having x2 Entrance available: one at each End. Means you have Options ! With a Solid Full Length Floor. AND a Full Height moveable Divider Board (Seal Off) one Brood Area off another Colony, allows you to do a Split, Grow it on ! Add to a Regular Hive. If selling it on. So in Conclusion : What do you want 'from your Bees ?!?' Think & Think !. . . 🙄 Then : Buy or Design your H.H to meet those Needs ! Easier to pre-think ! Than do an awkward Alteration 'of a ready made' (purchased) one ! Pallets are Cheap. And Most Towns, Neighbours have really good 'Community Wood Shops' (Men Sheds !) who love "Commissions." Retired Elders, SpecialNeeds users run these (Charity) Funded Shops. Use and Support these great facilities ! Awesome Hives can be made to 'your' Design, made well ! Can help with Repairs too. Or make up a H.H. Help with Flat Pack Hive Kits too ! If your a Beek with no Shop Skill. . . That's me. 🤭 Or if your good at Woodwork / have your own Shop, make your own ! Pallets are a plenty. 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Be aware a H.H might be very Heavy. So do a full assessment of best 'Location' if in your Garden, Yard, re Paths, safe for Postie (Mailman) not liking a Bee !?! If passing by to get to your Door. Family or maybe your Neighbours are 'afraid' of Bees and Bee Stings. Bees Fly High and Wide ! So Plan, plan, plan its final location Site. 🙄 Also : Could you 'Lift' and Sell it on, Transport to another Beek !?! 🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝🐝 Mine has been in the one place for over x6 years. Gets older, more Worn by Weather. Painted each Season again and again. Yet has the "same Bees" who are Re-Queened by me each x2 Summers (!) Knowing a Young Queen leads that Colony or Colonies each hard Winter. They really Rock in this Hive and Survive ! I have x14 Hives & Associated Nucs, mainly made from this inital First Hive. Yes that H.H😎

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Anita, I have modifications to my Long Langstroth that provides the option for a deeper shim and removable trays particularly beneath the brood area/frames. You can find those prints here: fredsfinefowl.com/plansprints.html For the Long Langstroth, check out HorizontalBees.com Bearsville Bees definitely builds quality hives, but they are emphasizing the Layens format. If you can get someone to construct one for you, you're way ahead as shipping is very expensive for those heavy built hives.

[@kushytooshybees]

My only fear with OA vapor is cooking the queen. Hopefully she is never near the gate, but I still worry about it sometimes.

[@FrederickDunn]

I've never had that concern with the 1/4" entrance systems. With the pans, you always had dead workers in the pan after treatment. I'd make sure not to introduce the vapor directly into the brood area, but rather off to one side or the other, orrrr beneath the brood via the slatted rack. I think it's important to bring this up. Thanks for the comment :)

[@seanrichardson881]

Hey fred, I am in Western New York right against lake Erie and my bees are taking advantage of a minor dandelion bloom. Thought you might find that interesting. I do. Also I just put my fondant panties on and found that it was quite moist above the inner cover on just a few hives. Deep and medium configuration, no upper vents. Any thoughts? Normal respiration or do you think they might still be drying down honey?

[@FrederickDunn]

Sounds like normal respiration and hitting the dewpoint in the feeder shim.

[@sals748]

What are your thoughts on treatment free?

[@FrederickDunn]

BIG question, so, I'll add this to my topics for Friday as the response isn't a quick one.

[@bradwamsley3465]

Hi Fred, great video and well worth the extra week wait. I am just wondering why Apimaye didn’t mention to you they have a brand new product that was supposed to start shipping in October that screws onto the top cover so the two vents can be open or closed.

[@FrederickDunn]

Hi Brad! I look forward to catching up with them in January, we'll cover all the new tweaks then. :) Thanks for letting me know.

[@5280Beekeeping]

I bought a box of 6 5 pound fondant panty When I opened it it was yellow with big pocket of air I tried contacting hive alive twice now I haven’t gotten a response why it’s was yellow and if it’s safe for the bees has anybody had this experience and know if it’s safe?

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, mine is also yellow, and the air pocket is no problem at all. They have very tight lab controls on their process and packaging. As it ages, you'll see it turn more white than yellow... my newest packets are the most yellow.

[@5280Beekeeping]

Ok thank you I was more concerned about the yellow color because it’s always been white before

[@rosswagner9083]

Can I use a honey super for a shim right now (Wisconsin) until I can make a smaller shim, to feed hive alive? Or will that space be too large. I have a better bee insulated cover btw.

[@FrederickDunn]

Yes, that works. Just put sheets of insulation like reflectix or double-bubble on top of your Hive Alive so the space is insulated and not wide open. It's unlikely that they would build comb in there, but you could get a love of bees in the space of they have access. Your fondant pack should block entry. Wishing you all the best.