💥 I forgot about 12 hives …… Packed with Swarm Cells and bees.

I forgot about 12 ten frame double deep colonies. Needless to say, they were packed with bees and swarm cells. Lots and lots of Nuc splits were made!

[@dougpeterson5257]

I really appreciate you telling us the actual temperature rather than saying that it is cool. Timing of honey flow sure makes a difference in spring management.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

No problem. And you’re absolutely right!

[@richardway3761]

That's a good video and you have some very clam bee's and you were just in time before you were going to get some to swam yes you have some great bee's 👍

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Thanks for the compliment Richard!

[@coryofalltrades3568]

Thanks for taking us along today.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Glad you enjoyed

[@EricPeterson-e5n]

Seems like you split like a champ to me

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Thanks!

[@GaryManess]

Bob Binnie, the man. He's probably forgotten more than we will ever know. As far as not throwing the old comb or drone brood on the ground. Attracting hive battle wax moths. My opinion and just my opinion on that is. .. hives attract them. They can smell the hives. Weak hives are affected by these. So if you got those pest you got bigger problems than those pest. In relation to some of the comments. Great Great video thanks

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yeah. Little things I definitely could do better. It’s hard to remember it all!!!

[@GaryManess]

@Ashby Farms NC im just saying don't think it matters where you police the comb ,wax, etc. The bettles and wax moths will find hives regardless. They sniff them out. By the hive entrance. So there's not much anyone can do about. that. It's not your goal to sell wax. You got a lot of hives to split and not a lot of time to do it. Carry on you doing a fine job. 🙂 as always appreciate the video

[@wittencreekbeez9384]

Like your practical approach and adaptability😂. Thanks for simply showing the techniques you use and keeping it real. A skillful beekeeper is able to think on their feet 👣 👣 specially under not so idéal conditions.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I appreciate that! And I totally agree!

[@davidryle1164]

Keep your nuc boxes right by your side, so it's a straight drop in. All this walking back and forward is a waste of your time. When you're a one man operation, efficiency is everything.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I agree. The problem was I was standing in 4” of water beside my hives. It poured the day before and that’s a low spot in the field. Gotta get the truck in there to load it up, but had to use the tractor to pull the loaded truck out of the field. Sometimes ya just gotta do the best with whatcha got!

[@archiemaclellan1984]

I dont think I would keep queen cells after shaking frame!

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

They’re more resilient than you’d think. At a younger stage I’d agree, but since one emerged right in front of me they’re ok

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

Opened my eyes to what I already knew thanks

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

By the way I'm in Darlington S.C. so not too far from you . I done same thing 2 weeks ago but weather changed in last 2 weeks. Cold needed extra bees cause I got alot of cold brood and cells. My bad

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

You done yours about same time how did it work or have I missed that video

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Your welcome

[@jimmiekendrick1632]

Finding those queens is difficult

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

It gets easier w time!

[@johnmarshall6572]

Another great job brother! Hey I was told to never shake a frame that has a queen cell on it. It may damage or dislodge a growing queen.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I was told the same thing, but never had issue w it. If the cell doesn’t work out, my cell will. They’ll also make some cells of their own. It’s just insurance until one emerges.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Growing Growing now what maybe in May or June those will go into ten frames ??? An then will you split those tens again or how late in the season ?? . Have a big rain an you will have some Ark hives like Ian had last season with his . Some good looking colony’s. Thanks for the update.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

They’ll be a 5 framer in a month and I’ll sell them

[@BucksBeesS.C.]

Wish I had a bucket to put all your scrap in. Melts down for cheep wax. But know it takes time. I waste it too.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yeah I’ve started carrying a bucket

[@queenveeshoney360]

What I’d do for calm bees like that! Keep killing it brother!

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Thanks!

[@richardway3761]

Got that right about clam bee's! I have some hives that that are hitting the glass in the truck. I HAVE TWO GET RID OF THOSE QUEENS.

[@b.p432]

I'd take a whole yard full of your grumpy bees over mine lol.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Next year we will be selling queens. If you wanna requeen call me before this winter!

[@Draintheswamp2024]

My friend usually has 50 to 100 hives and this year he bought out a beekeeper and has ordered 200 double deeps and 200 queens, what is the chances he can manage this by himself? I told him he is going to need to hire at least one guy and most important find someone to lease the bees to over the Michigan winter. any advice will be passed on to him, thanks for your advice.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

It depends on the beekeeper, but if he’s never done it, it’s my opinion that he will likely have many issues. When you grow your operation out, you learn the “how to’s” of time management, logistics, and planning. The problem with buying so many is that he doesn’t have the accompanying experience. Is there a chance he will do well? Absolutely. But my opinion is that he will struggle. For myself, I’m managing 300 this season and my day job. It’s been quite hard to keep up with it all, but many early mornings and late nights, I’m getting it done.

[@Draintheswamp2024]

@@Ashby_Farms_NC My friend has had bees for 30 years, and a keep telling him he is going to have to hook up with a broker and get them bees south, he thinks he can winter them here, but we have never been able to get more that 20% survival. when I sold my bees equipment 8 years ago to a commercial operation, the gentleman said he doesn't treat for mites, he swears! it's the unexpected residuals that are being picked up, says he removes all honey and polled and replaces with sugar water and a good reliable pollen supplement. he says you have to flush it out of the queen, and he replaces the ones that don't produce.

[@mikef9966]

lol you say queen cells money in the bank, and here you throwing your burr comb ,that money in the bank to

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yes I know. I used to keep it but the rotten drone comb got to stinking. It’s on my list of things to do better for sure!

[@JR-kk6ce]

I use BBQ wood pellets in my smoker.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I will once we use up all the wood shavings. I have bags of that stuff from all the wood work we do.

[@glockky1]

I hope you have plenty of nuc boxes if all of those hives are that strong

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Oh yeah!

[@JoSeeFuss]

Waste nothing. Don't throw out any type of comb, take advantage of everything them girls give you.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yeah it’s one area I can improve in

[@nszucs1]

I saw Bob's video too. I think I'm going to do my first round of splits the same way. Not quite time yet here in Central Ohio. But it's around the corner

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Spring is just around the bend for ya!

[@plips71755]

Is there supposed to be so many bees on a frame - seems like they would get too hot or smother come summer. Seems like they would get really mad with you just scaping them off and throwing them off. Even with the smoke.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yes it’s peak season during spring. The queen will manage the number of the colony. Packed hives make for healthier hives

[@Shohjahon_asalchi]

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[@Shohjahon_asalchi]

A

[@buggsy5]

Why did you skip the second split box until you got to the bottom brood box on the first hive?

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

No particular reason.

[@carybruton7284]

Great job brother!

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I appreciate it!

[@danielweston9188]

A few years ago I celebrated finishing splitting - in fact I thought it went so smooth I was pleased. The next month while I doing records I realize I skipped one outyard. I rushed right out - it was a long day.......

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Man! I can relate to this exact story!!!

[@jeffreyhoskins8955]

Good job

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Thanks!

[@doctortcbkk2027]

Do you ever put 2 swarm cells in a split to insure that split “takes”?

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Nah. Just make sure there’s eggs. If the cell doesn’t take it’ll be a walk away split

[@mkirkland616]

Good video, shouldnt really be shaking frames with queen cells on them, could easily damage the developing queen inside.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I’ve always heard that, but never noticed any issue. While I don’t doubt it, I sometimes get in a hurry and forget the little details

[@hawklord7008]

The best piece of advice I was given when starting out was to go through the colony before making any decisions. Chances are, with capped queen cells, the old queen has gone. Looks like a huge gap in the first roof.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Oh yeah. A lot of my equipment has gaps! Contrary to popular thought, I can argue it’s a blessing, or as Bob Ross says “A happy accident”!!!

[@SnowRover]

You can easily tell by looking at the strength of the hive, if it has swarmed or not.

[@ΜιχαληςΜακριδακης]

Ελλινικα

[@hopesadler4000]

Hey Ashby. I assume those are dedicated resource hives? Also, do you have walk away splits and splits with queen cells?

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I always make my cells 4 days ahead. That way if mine don’t hatch, they have finished cells as insurance in 4 days. I do have dedicated resource hives for my cell builders that I don’t show on KZbin.

[@hopesadler4000]

@ashbyfarmsnc6653 Thanks, Ashby.

[@barkersbees]

@@Ashby_Farms_NC why don’t you show it on KZbin? Just wondering is all not asking you to I respect your decision not too just wonder why you don’t show them colonies.

[@jeffcotton2235]

Did you know that throwing the burr comb wax into the grass attracts small hive beetles and wax moths? Save your wax and render it, that's money you're tossing out.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yeah its one of those things I keep forgetting to take with to the bee yard. I used to, but the drone brood got to stinking.

[@Steele_Wings]

This is my earlest swarm season 😮.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Oh yeah!

[@davidtmp]

Hey Ashby, where do you get the pine shavings? Is it what you would use for animals? I better get busy making NUCs for next year!

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

It’s leftovers from using a dado blade when building our equipment. It’s free (or I’ve already paid for it) and works well.

[@raydeese8859]

Smoker pellets work very well. Once lit, they will burn all day.

[@subsy83]

@@raydeese8859 I use pine or cedar with smoker pellets...works for HOURS, and do it in layers. Would HIGHLY recommend!

[@randyneese7902]

Great video, I’m splitting mine tomorrow. I see that I can make at least 3 out of mine now as long as I have cells to use. I’m figuring I will have some since there boiling over. I didn’t know if I was to late to split or not since I figured there going to swarm soon. Will this stop them from swarming if I split and give them new drawn out foundations or do you have some pointers for me?

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

I’d do exactly why you said. Leave the queen and take a bunch of splits

[@bkiesz]

How do you keep track of all these hives, where they are, what stage they are in, etc... ? I'm sure I'll get an idea as I'm going to start this spring helping an old high school classmate of mine who's a commercial bee keeper that is ramping up his operation. I would really like to know how you do it!

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

The whole yard always gets left at the exact same stage, so that theyll all look relatively the same when you return. Its one of those things you learn through expansion / experience.

[@bkiesz]

@@Ashby_Farms_NC That makes perfect sense. Tanks again for the channel... I learn something new every time I watch one!

[@ncmountainadventures]

I enjoy your videos, a little advice be aware of the camera position when you're showing the frames. Most of what your showing is out of frame, and you do not give the viewer enough time to see what you are talking about with the brood and resources that they have! I am in western North Carolina and Considering getting into bee keeping again good videos just be Camera aware!

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Thanks so much for the feedback. I’ll try to improve on this!

[@ncmountainadventures]

@Ashby Farms NC yes sir no problem. You're getting there. Keep up the good work 👍

[@GaryManess]

Bob Binnie, the man. He's probably forgotten more than we will ever know. As far as not throwing the old comb or drone brood on the ground. Attracting hive battle wax moths. My opinion and just my opinion on that is. .. hives attract them. They can smell the hives. Weak hives are affected by these. So if you got those pest you got bigger problems than those pest control

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yeah. Little things I definitely could do better. It’s hard to remember it all!!!

[@stevecorcoran9869]

All day is "45 minutes to an hour"? Nothing like leaving all of your expensive wood-ware sitting in the water for the entire wet season. If I tried that here in Florida, I would be replacing brood boxes every year or two.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

It’s all wax dipped and waterproof. It only sits in water for -30 days/Yr. Just the pallets are sittin in water. It’ll be ok

[@plips71755]

Boy I would want to make sure I don’t work with plumbers pants (dropping down from my waist around my hiny) or my jacket being short so the bees get under to my skin. Yikes!

[@jasona522]

A great way to breed for african genetics if you're in the south or west

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

How so?

[@timbervalleyhomestead]

Depends on location. Nc has no African genetics in the wild. But you definitely can not open mate queens in the Midwest from Texas to California areas.

[@patrickbrewer2794]

I have a question what's your success rate with the queens mating and returning to the nucs. If you have all those nucs.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Last year for the season was 71%. Started 325 and had 231 successful. I’ve learned a thing or two since then. Started my own breeding program this season. Hoping to get above 80% this year.

[@patrickbrewer2794]

@@Ashby_Farms_NC do focus on nucs or honey productions

[@patrickmcauley151]

Get the bee’s out of the loch before they drown

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Lol. That’s the most that area floods. Does it every year in spring when the water table comes up. Every hive has some sort of alternative top entrance from cracks in the equipment.

[@lindagray5857]

Looks like you have healthy bees. Shaking your frame that has a qc on it can cause her to drop down from royal jelly and die. Be gentle.

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Yes I know this is common knowledge. Because I caused a virgin to emerge, I knew they were ok to shake.

[@serkanparmaksz3753]

merhaba kolay gelsin

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Hey you too!

[@viklund2725]

Stupid not to save the brude come :O

[@Ashby_Farms_NC]

Not sure I understand