🔵How to Install a Package bees using 2 Methods! PLUS tips & tricks to keep them healthy & alive

[@alwysgn]

Kamon I appreciate the conclusion of your video, for new keepers very helpful to see the ease and practicality of your teaching. I too do my packages like you, been at it about 6+ years now. Love beez

[@memdass747]

I like that after your instructions you repeat the process several times without verbal instruction. Great videos!

[@stationmanapiaries4184]

I really enjoy all of the topics you cover, and your presentation style is very relatable. I have been keeping bees in western Canada for seven years, but have been getting into it a bit more seriously these last two years. I really appreciate the effort you and your family has put into creating this channel. You have established an excellent resource which has benefited my efforts in this field. Keep up the great work!

[@dcsblessedbees]

Kamon, I have been watching videos for months now trying to prepare as best I can, that is the first time I have seen a package installed that way. Out of watching probably 10 videos on beekeepers installing packages, that is the first, it makes total sense. I am betting its less stressful for them that way and give them the ability to make the move on their time. Hate it when those thoughts "fly away" lol happens to me all the time. :) Ty, Blessed Days...

[@MikeTalley]

Thanks for making this video Kamon! As a new beekeeper, I want the first package installation to go as smoothly as possible. Your video provides a wealth of information and tips that helps me feel more prepared to do the installation! I really love that you discuss how different methods ("pour the bees out"/"just shake the heck out of them" 🤣) are necessary. This was very helpful, because I will be installing in late March in the Boston area.

[@svtimepassages1538]

We just installed our first package of Southern Italian bees. your method was way easier than any other method I've seen. Nice and calm. Thank you!

[@disillusioned070]

"Wear straps on your pant legs because I've got one crawling up my leg right now.... So there's that." And then just keeps on working. Too cool. Great video.

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks!

[@danschneider9219]

Yup my first bees were 7.50 for a package but money back then was worth something. But then when I was a kid I'd ride my bike to the lake fishing at a dock then leave my pole and walk across the street to the bar and buy a pop for a dime.

[@seedsandarrowsfrontier9224]

Great idea!! It was great seeing you in Kentucky this past weekend! God bless!!

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks yes it was alot of fun!

[@khraila_RockyRillFarm_Apiary]

Installing my 1st 2 package’s tomorrow, going to try your 1 st example. Thank you!

[@MrMigrantman]

Nice vid, really like when you just let the video go while you work. Great way of demonstrating what you just talked about.

[@Peter_Gunn]

Great package install video. Good job

[@lindseyhomesteadfarm2653]

Great video Kamon & Laurel. I love the step by step process.

[@limanramirezmendez3948]

Hello

[@daisyshoney6021]

Great video. I used both methods to install packages. I would move the queen cage a little further away from the feeder, can in case the vacuum was lost.

[@kamonreynolds]

It is further away than it looks but yes if it was underneath that would be a major issue

[@henryparrott2447]

Love ❤ all your shows. God bless

[@DavidWilliams-wr4wb]

My very first package of the season pumped over 150 stingers in my suit just a few weeks ago 😜I didn’t smoke them , I gave them a couple sprays of 1:1 with hbh in it , they were mean as shit lol , I fired my smoker up and they didn’t care , they were stinging the air because they didn’t like it 😝😝now the other 7 packages were just as gentle as could be, the only thing I could figure was the queen was cranky that day, she was the only queen that was piping like crazy, out of 8 packages she was piping like nuts and the colony was nuts ! It’s just this reason alone a new beekeeper should wear full protective gear when they do their first package , the funny thing is now a couple weeks later the hive is full of brood , nectar , pollen , bee bread , I put 3 drawn frames in and plastic foundation is 5 out of 7 fully drawn and full of resources and that was the other day, they are as gentle as can be now and very productive! 😋

[@glorianelson6468]

Thank you. I never seen anyone up them in a hive the calmer way. That really seems less stressful for them. I think I will try it

[@carolewoosley6095]

I'm getting my first package in two more days, thanks for the video on how to install one!

[@daverowden-RowdyBeeFarms]

I got my Hivelife Conference video. Thanks so much for the huge discount you gave to the people that attended the conference. I have gotten a couple packages and had success with them. Putting the whole box into the brood box is new to me. Thanks for the video like usual.

[@matthewsweeney2577]

Getting packages today, nice refresher video👍 40 degrees and I hope the rain stops

[@CELOCKSAFE]

that is a much better way to do them for sure. I could watch you work all day and never get tired!!!

[@kamonreynolds]

Haha 😂

[@KurtisLukasik]

Looks so easy even a caveman could do it! Great video and it boosted my confidence in this. I will definitely be doing mine this way! Thank you very much!😅

[@stgermain1074]

I installed a replacement package 2 weeks ago today. By day 11 I saw capped brood. They've taken 2 1/2 gallons of 1:1 so far and I put a patty on them last week they're working on.

[@kamonreynolds]

Awesome! Sounds like you know how to give a package what they really need!

[@accessthroughchrist5620]

What kind of sugar? Does it matter?

[@kamonreynolds]

It does matter. Refine white sugar is best. Brown sugar and some unrefined organic sugars have too much roughage for bees

[@accessthroughchrist5620]

@@kamonreynolds Pure Cane Granulated?

[@accessthroughchrist5620]

@@kamonreynolds oh no! Did I make my bees have bowel trouble? I gave them 2 quarts of pure cane a week ago. I hope I don't make too many mistakes. I really love my bees that I've had for almost a week. Wish you were in E TN and could come show me what to do. I hope I succeed at this, I think its incredible what they do🐝 They are truly special.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Kamon it is so nice to have a wife that will teach you how to be a bee keeper. I think she has just about got you trained . LOL

[@kamonreynolds]

😆 almost

[@zetectic7968]

I hope you are off to a good start with these packages & your existing bees and you will be well setup for Summer. Here in UK we have had the coldest Spring nights for 20 years, below freezing 0C down to 25F

[@ahmedbounce3053]

This guy knows what hes doing!

[@beebob1279]

Your method is a lot easier than the way I was taught with the shook swarm. Especially if you get a package of hot defensive bees. Just laying the box in doesn't agitate them so much. It sure is a lot faster your way. Also, you're not having to spray them with sugar syrup to keep them calm. I wouldn't like to be sprayed with sugar syrup and then survive a cold night with that all over me. Nice presentation.

[@vincekeenan5919]

Thanks for the video. Just picked up two packages of Italian today and will install this afternoon. I will try your method.

[@robinmartin4464]

No fuss, no muss! Thank you Mr. Reynolds

[@heavymechanic2]

The mail truck with the arrow on the side is consistent ensuring all their customers are FED-UP with misdirected and damaged packages.

[@donovancoughlin]

"what do you think of that loral" Great line Kamon!!!

[@mikesbeesllc]

Great video Kamon. Glad to see you rebuild the experimental yard up early. Will you treat these packages after a few days with OA before they cap the brood?

[@claudesully]

I did the "shake method" on my first bees 21 years ago...Fun times🤣😂🤣

[@richardmarker5476]

Great video. I get excited like it's Christmas when I see a swarm to hive. In 1985 I was paying $23.50, from Walter T Kelly. Keep up the great work. My friend and I also purchased a Lorobbees Oxalic Vaporizer after watching your video. Thanks for the information

[@kamonreynolds]

Wow 23 dollars!

[@LiveMoreOutdoors]

Very informative as always!

[@richardanderson2742]

When talking bee behavior, you often give the footnotes of what might happen out of the norm. A phrase I use with newbies that have immersed themselves in books is “bees can’t read.” Once you have a number of hives you of course start seeing the unexpected behaviors now and then. Newbies should be ready for this and not panic.

[@won2winit]

Wondered why I never saw anyone put the box inside the hive before as seems the easiest method ten you take out the box with dead bees so more hygienic. Also like how the queen is easier to remove without fighting to get the can out.

[@DavidWillis-qx3yg]

Thanks for posting this video! I plan to use this method to install 40 packages in March. Queston: what are your thoughts on me adding a frame of brood from existing hives to each box to 'help' jump start the hive.

[@deweysanders1461]

Just installed my first package and everything went smooth until it was time to put the inner cover and top. Any suggestions on minimizing loss when closing the hive. Thanks for the great videos which are very informative.

[@kamonreynolds]

A goose feather to brush them away can help but when colonies get massive it is impossible not to crush a bee though we do our best

[@wishicouldspel]

Proper handling is the key to package success. We our first shipment arrive I Alaska for the year yesterday morning. Keeping them at 49 to 50 degrees F. from the day they were shook till moments before they got on plane along with lots of watering epiosodes over a few days kept the losses on our 15 million bee shipment to a minimum. We ussually get them there with less than a dozen dead bees per four pound package. Not a fan of spraying 1 to 1 on packages. 5% is almost to thick. To much to mess up.

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@jaimechatfield7570]

New to beekeeping and wondering when do you go back and release the queen from her cage? or will the bees get her out?

[@MetalMike223]

Just starting out. Awesome video!! I ordered online i hope for not a-lot of dead. 🤞🏻

[@RawTheoryHoney]

Well I loved this method but I think I should have knocked them down to breakup the cluster.... they didn't wrap around the queen soon enough and I think the colder day got her (50s) IL. Lesson learned.

[@garyRt23Bees]

2024 is the first year ever that if you didn't order bees say last Dec. you can still get bees. In the past if you didn't order ahead of time, you didn't get bees. I can still today in late April get online and buy bees. I expect the prices to come down with as many supplier as there are today. As with bee supplies.

[@sonofthunder.]

very efficient .nice info on installing

[@jimrosesadventureinmanilap715]

I believe that 1 other thing you should mention... If you have the resourchers... Add 1 frame of cap brood. If you have it in 2 weeks..

[@jrickard01]

I love the metal tab on those queen cages. Sure beats stabling the plastic straps to the top of the frames. Kamon, do you ever treat your packages with OA vapor after installing them and if so do you do it while the queen is still in her cage or after release but before capping brood?

[@kamonreynolds]

I do it before her brood is capped on day 9. So I treat 7 days after the queen is released.

[@thilltony3362]

Always love your videos, Kamon! Here is a question for you... Split a colony and left 4 queen cells. The very next day, I hear a queen piping and had a big swarm go up and come back. Mating flight, or prep to swarm? So then I decided to screen them in and open up the entrance only enough for worker bees to exit. Will the queen decide to stay once she realizes that she can't get out?

[@robinlewisart_1997]

Great video thank for the tips

[@lachdananx7686]

Can´t add anything -> Afraid to comment -> Well made video ;) Those boxes look real practical.

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks for commenting!

[@romoshka1]

The question I’ve always had was if the package contains a high percentage of field bees are foragers capable of returning to nurse bee duties?

[@kamonreynolds]

Hey Steve! They are capable but they can't do it near as proficiently as a younger bee

[@gtromble]

Is it OK to mark the queen right away, or is that too stressful at this point?

[@kamonreynolds]

Too stressful to take her out of a cage in a package. Wait till she has been released for 2 weeks and laying! Happy beekeeping!

[@srae1503]

Are we going to get to see videos on the experimental yard from last summer?

[@sentimentalbloke7586]

Hey Kamon thanks for the vid, I have elastic in the cuffs of my working jeans, works sweet, an invention of my wife's.

[@planbeeapiaries]

One of my packages bolted, but it was next to a queenless hive (although very strong 2 deeps full). Saw it happen too and they ignored all the traps I had set out.

[@ridingvenus]

At around 2pm I started the lives for my first package rather than nuc. I only currently have one other hive 2 deep that’s mostly been wild for 2 years but I did resume maintaining it…though late winter…I think it’s about 50 yards between each hive. Should I keep them closed in the hive? If yea for how long should I confine them?

[@ridingvenus]

Ohh they bee in the queen defender. Should of added patty inside I will tonight. Also gave it one bin full queen defender syrup box feeder thing. After tomorrow I plan to add an other syrup maybe up to 3 queen defender feeders if that predicts to last 3 days…after that I’m hopefully go with once a week check and maintaince as that’s what I prefer for my strong hives. I don’t want to bee adding all syrup feeder’s till I can see no defense against my more wild have beeing an issue.

[@जयकिसान-द1ह]

बहुत ही सुंदर और अद्भुत 🙏🙏🙏🙏

[@JCsBees]

So you don't fill the box with frames when you shake in a package? Packages can draw comb very fast so I can see you cutting out comb if you don't check it often. Enjoyed the video!

[@kamonreynolds]

You are right Jason. When we come back in the next day to pull out the package and release expose the candy of the cage we put the rest of the frame in. We do sometimes get a small bit of comb underneath where the queen cage is in that short time frame but we look for it and scrape it out. I debated whether to give them foundations or comb since packages are so good at that but I had extra combs that I wanted bees on. Hope your bees and cows are doing well!

[@mocarp1]

Kamon, did you put the queen cage screen up against the comb?

[@kamonreynolds]

Yes I did!

[@mocarp1]

@@kamonreynolds I am visualizing the frames are drawn out to where the there is no space between comb & Q cage screen. If so, do the attendants and caged Q not need more air and access to the rest of the bees?

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

Would be interesting to see a package given a good dusting of powder sugar, placed over a white (mite) paper. Kamon do you have a favored place to order feeder buckets and plugs/tint/hydro? Thank you and a Blessed Easter on you all and your's.

[@kamonreynolds]

I got mine from naturesimagefarm but you can get the plugs from them and make your own buckets. Everything was 22% off at our conference. It would be an interesting test for sure! Happy Easter to you and your family too

[@srae1503]

Why did you get outside packages rather than bees from your yards and your queens?

[@uswwt]

This is exactly my thoughts too. Appreciate it if Kamon can explain. But if I may guess, it makes sense to separate Kamon's beekeeping business from the experimental yard. The exp yard is mostly funded by donations. So perhaps he is using the donated money to buy the packages. He could probably "buy" nucs from himself. But I suppose he might have already sold off most of the surplus nucs last year and whatever left now are needed to replace his own losses.

[@kamonreynolds]

Hi guys! These were grant hives and I could not use my own for the grant. I like my bees the best

[@jamespollock2500]

Was watching you struggle with getting the feeder can out. They sound like a steel can, will a magnet stick to it and couldn't you use one with a hook to pull it out quicker and with less fuss.

[@joetripp123]

hey Kamon, I like this method. Wouldn't it be better to turn the queen cages where the screen is not into the comb though? So other attendants and bees can have access to the queen? Thanks.

[@kamonreynolds]

It may be better but I haven't ever seen an issue. The metal tabs are so wide I don't push the frames all the way back together anyways. Thanks for the comment and happy 🐝 keeping!

[@LiveHive420]

If you shake the bees in i like to spray them with a little sugar water so they can't sky so much.

[@webco53]

I always have been placing the queen cage in with the mesh facing out and not toward the comb. Is that correct or not. Figured she could get care very well facing the comb?

[@elizabethcaban5981]

Hi Kamon! Are you still liking your Apimaye hives? I'm about to install my first bees in one in a couple weeks.

[@kamonreynolds]

Yes I was just in 7 of them this morning. The hives work very well

[@hughcourchesne4351]

I can talk all day.

[@mrboomspecialfireworks]

How long do you wait until placing the honey super on top of there?

[@TheUnknownBeekeeper]

Like your videos, this a new way to install? 1st I've seen this way. Since you sell nucs etc. Why you buy package bees?

[@kamonreynolds]

Thanks Callahan! Grants won't let you use your own so I had to buy these

[@stevewelches1955]

I have a question that has nothing to do with this vedio. How do you tell the difference between beebread and pollen stores when looking at the frames. I know what each is and see keepers say there is pollen stors and beebread stors but never have I seen some one show or explain what they see or how they tell the difference on what they are looking at.. would you be kindenough to do a vedio showing and explaining what you are seeing so we know what you are seeing. Thank you for your vedios. I have learned so much about the keeping of bees from them.

[@jackydodson]

Kamon, I'm a new beekeeper. I have a new nu arriving late in the day that I'm going out of town. Is there a problem setting the new hive in at night? I want return for 5 days. Bad timing.

[@Mintstar_Oceanpop]

Can bees use the crystallized food in the comb?

[@kamonreynolds]

Yes!

[@TheBguenth]

How far away do you suggest installing a new hive in order to prevent drift?

[@kamonreynolds]

I like to keep them 10+ feet from a established hive but it isn't 100% necessary either.

[@bullwinkled790]

in alaska we are paying $225 for 4# package with queen

[@marcinmys]

How does the Queen come out of the cage?

[@dawwahrman1747]

I have the same question. I "think" the other bees eat through the candy plug to release her.

[@marcinmys]

@@dawwahrman1747 yes that's correct!

[@kennyelizabethhutson7055]

Great video. Would you order bees from R Weaver or do you recommend someone else. I am in North Arkansas and only getting one hive now. Seems like the buckfast would be a good choice. but after watching you I do value your opinion. Thank you,kenny

[@lanawuolukka4784]

Where do you get your top cover with a top feeder hole?

[@rudyardgomeas6042]

So, thru the entire shipping time, wouldn't they get used to queen pheromones?

[@kamonreynolds]

She isn't laying so her pheromones are diminshed. Also, a queen's quality is also determined by her broods pheromones. So it takes a little time before they truly fully commit

[@ronaldlassiter4863]

Kamon I put a strong five frame nuc in a ten frame box how long before I should go back in?

[@John4.23-24]

Can I get two packages and combine them to help make the colony stronger?? Or would they attack each other? Patience please,I'm learning.

[@apveening]

You will lose at least one queen that way, so I wouldn't recommend it. However, if the queen in one package died in transit, it should be possible to combine the packages.

[@John4.23-24]

@@apveening thanks, I just stuck to one and they are doing good.

[@MrFishone777]

It doesn’t matter if you put the Queen directly under the feeder?

[@kamonreynolds]

She is a couple inches to the side so it works out. Like you, I wouldn't want them directly under it.

[@lunarrn]

I just learned USPS charges a $25 hazard fee to ship honey bees. I don’t know how the extra money makes it less hazardous….🤦🏼‍♂️

[@arnoldtx1]

Why don’t you like the frame feeder at this time?

[@texasfriendlybeekeepers8210]

Eye Talion!!!

[@justincarkenord5339]

I thought that you were using regular plywood wax dipped for lids not HDO???

[@kamonreynolds]

Do all kinds of stuff here! I love both and will use whatever works and is most cost effective!

[@nickford5549]

I ship breakable glass and rare coral, ups has much better service than fedex, Memphis tn is the black hole of fedex

[@jeffpyle6353]

How do you deal with ants?

[@wwoutdoors7300]

130 at a local bee man for a nuke in plastic box with frames. Italian bees. They work harder than my carniolan beee. But I like the carniolans better. They are gentler. They never sting me. Unless I do something dumb. The Italians are not mean. Just easier to get riled up. An they work me harder. Lol

[@Dustpuuppy]

I thought you were getting away from Italians?

[@kamonreynolds]

Can always put one of queens in there soon!

[@jennygannon9631]

Why not feed honey to bees?

[@kamonreynolds]

If you buy honey it could have diseases or it could not be real. Honey is 10-20 bucks a pound. Sugar is about 50 cents. Sugar doesn't hurt the bees at all and is clean. Unless it is your own honey it is not reccomended.

[@lrmmorgan]

If they ship USPS..walk away!

[@jasonp364]

Now you tell me. Got one about to ship that way. Fingers crossed

[@thecluckingassassin]

​@jasonp364 how did it go?

[@josiah10122]

This is a great video rich in information but the imperial system freaks me out. What a hell does farenheit, pounds mean? please add conversion rates or something like that. Metric system is very simple, or here is a better option for you and us/me alongside your imperial sytem say the equivalent quantity in metric system. it is such chaotic in my head when i look at the imperial system and its weirdo conversion. Honest review

[@tryhuma]

Sorry, but video without Jimmy Flint Reynolds is not 100% valuable.