It's been 14 years since this top bar has been opened and we are transferring the bees.

[@ezekielthornton5408]

New bee keeper here. Have a question noone will answer. How does a hive survive like this on there own with out mite treatment, hive beetle control?

[@gallowaylights]

Lots of stores and fresh swarms move in regularly?

[@JeffHorchoff]

Simple, their genetics. Like these bees, all of our bees, 150 plus hives, are treatment free as well as unmaintained. I allow the bees to be bees and do as their genetics have so inclined them. Do our bees die? Yes, but the losses are the same or less compared to those who treat their bees. My losses vary from about 17% to 35% every year. Do I recommend this practice to everyone, absolutely not. Each beekeeper must determine for themselves how THEY should be allowed to keep their bees, to treat or not. I have been a treatment free beekeeper for the entire 45 years of keeping bees and it works for me. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Ezekiel. Mr. Ed

[@JeffHorchoff]

I am sure these are not the same group of bees that were in this hive 17 years ago, but I have no way of proving that....and really I do not care, these are some great bees. Thanks for watching. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@ezekielthornton5408]

Thank you, I wanted a more natural way of keeping bees. My whole family loves to watch your videos. We love the way you give God all the Glory.

[@ezekielthornton5408]

Also I've been treating with mineral oil and essential oils I learned from Fat bee man.

[@billysanford9799]

14 years with no disturbance, no treatment for mites, no sugar water, no anything! Better save that DNA.

[@rogierdikkes]

The box has been there for 17 years, the colony might not have been. Had a place that I shared with a beekeeper, he swore to me he never touched or treated a hive. They were just great genetics he claimed. Few weeks later my bees robbed it out and he didn't want to come over to clean it. 4 months later there was a new colony in the box. Year later heard him tell the exact same story. 😂

[@jf7654]

@@rogierdikkes Yeah, I would be willing to bet the colony is not 17 years old, unlikely older than 5. It could be feral genetics but who knows. Truly feral colonies only exist in areas with ideal conditions, otherwise many "feral" swarms are from managed hives that typically do not last more than two years.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Some great genetics for sure! I'll be doing a follow up video on these bees in the early spring, stay tuned for that one! Thanks for watching. God's peace Billy. Mr. Ed

[@seanmcerlane9317]

Shut the vacuum off already

[@stevestevenson8886]

Interesting video Jeff. Question for you if you don’t mind. I’ve seen several mics sold in a plastic hive body. In your opinion would these boxes work as swarm traps? Thanks in advance

[@danno1800]

You did a really WONDERFUL JOB getting everything out of there so you can put it in a new hive. WAY TO GO!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you for your kind words and support, it is greatly appreciated.I post these videos, to show just how important bees are to our very survival, and why we should not just kill them out of ignorance. I have been rescuing bees from being needlessly destroyed for over 14 years now, and hope to continue to do so for many more years to come. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@tntina420]

I love seeing how gentle you handle the bees. They stayed very calm thanks to your gentle approach.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you. I post these videos, to show just how important bees are to our very survival, and why we should not just kill them out of ignorance. I have been rescuing bees from being needlessly destroyed for over 14 years now, and hope to continue to do so for many more years to come. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace April. Mr. Ed

[@philaandrew100]

14 years... I must admit I was expecting that hive to be really manky. Once again the Bee Team nailed it! Happy New Year to everyone.

[@JeffHorchoff]

A great removal and relocation job for sure...but it did take more that 2 hours to do it. A very happy and blessed New Year to you and yours as well Phil. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@cathysteenson9591]

This one really was epic! No ladders, no hot wires to cut around. So interesting to see how the bees kept that old fixer upper holding together the best they could. Glad the ants didn’t get you guys.

[@meuko]

Jeff, that smile of yours is a mirror into your soul, so pure and full of love. Thank you for always blessing us, stay safe end keep on beeing! God bless!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you very much for your blessings, super kind words, and for taking the time to watch the video, it is ALL greatly appreciated. Until the next time, God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@krisisfilms2961]

I LOVE that they pick on Randy’s equipment so much. But DirtRooster knows that old dilapidated equipment are swarm catchers! Great video Mr. Ed!

[@howardwestercamp2799]

Margarets "goodbye" brought to mind memories of your mom helping close out videos. Another good video jeff. Keep making more.😊

[@JeffHorchoff]

That it did. Margaret is a hoot, but mom took the cake! Thanks for watching. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@joer5627]

@@JeffHorchoff There were no bee wrassler’s like your Mama. I still get a big smile thinking about that closing. Live for Jesus!

[@stevefarms7494]

To think about a bee hive in a top bar that never been touched and they seemed to bee very healthy... Then to think people struggle to keep their bees alive and healthy it's amazing.... Happy holidays and happy New years to all....

[@bieneulm1982]

The explanation is quite simple: The hives living in that box swarmed a lot, all nursery bees have each time been left with all the brood contaminated with varroa. Sometimes during these fourteen years a few hives will also have collapsed because of a to high varroa pressure and factory/vector (?) diseases. A new hive then moved in, swarmed again and so forth so on.

[@thezfunk]

@@bieneulm1982 That was my thought too. Not to mention, being in LA, their winters are very mild compared to say WI or Canada.

[@JeffHorchoff]

The exact point I made in the video. Thanks for watching. God's peace Steve. Mr. Ed

[@TheSealedNectar01]

Love these videos of old hives. Keep up the good work Mr Ed😊

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you, and I have to say, I love watching your videos as well. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@brucklay227]

What a brilliant way to end off 2023. Thanks Mr Ed and Good Time Charlie

[@Phil_86]

Now that's an OLD hive! Amazing how the bee's just keep on doing there thing even with Red Ants just above them. Thanks for another great video. God Bless!!

[@JeffHorchoff]

I would not guarantee that the bees we took out were the same ones that were in there14 years ago, but regardless of the fact, the bees are really awesome! Those red ants were really bad, and I still got bit by them. In fact more times than I was stung by the bees. Thank you for your blessings and support. God's peace Phil. Mr. Ed

[@donstanley8514]

Red ants naturally produce formic acid.

[@lazymary2200]

Maybe the ant acid treated the hive against the mites😂

[@jarnold8803]

I didn't get into beekeeping untill 7 years ago. My age and health got me from langstroph to topbar 3 years ago and got my topbar plans from less crowder and its working great for me. I was glad to see how well that hive held up over the years. God is GREAT

[@JeffHorchoff]

God is GREAT, and He showers His blessings on us every minute of the day! I am a very big fan of ALL horizontal hives regardless of the type they are. Bees love them, and they are so easy on the beekeepers back. Plus, the bees make a lot of honey in them. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@davidmiller6010]

I really like your rubber band cross hatch idea. Makes a nice cradle. I guess you have to be careful as to what rubber band size and heft you use so you don't have a catastrophic implosion. Like your style Jeff, thanks for sharing!

[@JeffHorchoff]

I use a 7 inch rubber band that I buy off of Amazon. You get like 200 of them for about 7 bucks. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace David. Mr. Ed

[@mariannesoptelean7635]

You guys ( and girls ) are just down-right nutz about bees❗😄 This is the first video I've seen that the hive was old as this one, at 17 years. And not opened for 14 years. Wow❗ Great job‼️🐝🌸🐝

[@JeffHorchoff]

I always say that bees do best when left undisturbed, and these bees prove that point. I just posted a follow up video on this hive, video link below, I hope you will check it out. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Marianne. Mr. Ed kzbin.info/www/bejne/aKSunXylfJplY7c

[@stevecorcoran9869]

You almost hate to mess with them. 14 Years on their own and never a year without bees, gotta be a record but they definitely need a new home.

[@JeffHorchoff]

And they got one...and they love it. God's peace Steve. Mr. Ed

[@beewitch5569]

Good job Charlie, for finding the queen!!

[@JeffHorchoff]

The man has the eyes of an eagle. Great hearing from you again, God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@Thaddy62]

Thank You Margret For saving the Bees and giving them a new Home! Not enough People Like you in this World! God Bless

[@JeffHorchoff]

Rescuing bees is what we do, and we are happy to do so. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Thaddeus. Mr. Ed

[@TracyWessel]

That was truly epic. I've watched so many bee videos, and that was the most interesting. Wow, 14 years! How cold does it get there? They just survived so heartily on their own! I hope the hive continued to flourish in their new accommodations, and thank you for sharing. I've been contemplating some horizontal hives as the weight of the Langstroths is so heavy with honey. So it was also fascinating to see how the bees filled up the horizontal box.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Out temps in the south are tend to be warmer than colder, and the winters are generally mild, so that is a big plus for bees. Personally, I love horizontal hives, I have 3 of them, and I highly recommend them for older beekeepers like myself as they are so easy to work and back friendly. I actually shot an update video on these bees 5 weeks after the removal and it will be posted on Feb 16. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Tracy. Mr. Ed

[@krissaann333]

That was so much fun to watch!!! Thank you and Happy New Year's to all!💜💜💜🙏🙏🙏🦢

[@karinjohnson6649]

You were so methodical and gentle through that whole process! I don't think you injured a single bee!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you very much for you kind words, I truly appreciate them.I post these videos, to show just how important bees are to our very survival, and why we should not just kill them out of ignorance. I have been rescuing bees from being needlessly destroyed for over 14 years now, and hope to continue to do so for many more years to come. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my over 600 bee wrangling/ bee rescue adventure videos and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Karin. Mr. Ed

[@KajunHomestead]

Great Video Mr. Ed , wow what an awesome hive, that queen is gonna have some good genetics , 14 years not treatments needed.

[@ВолодимирКоцеруба]

Many thanks for recording this video! All your video intresting for me. It's both interesting video, and good abilities for improving listening skills in English. Hi from Ukraine .God bless America!

[@JeffHorchoff]

It is my pleasure to share my bee wrangling experiences, and I'm delighted to hear you use my videos to improve your English skills. Your country and citizens are in my daily prayers, God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@claybunner1059]

Cool I won’t see you guys tomorrow probably but I’ll see you on Thursday for sure. Have a save trip!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Looking forward to seeing you on Thursday, you guys have a safe trip as well. God's peace Clay. Mr. Ed

[@Goch46]

Its goes ahead to show that bees are self sustaining

[@JeffHorchoff]

That they are, amazing insects. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Peter. Mr. Ed

[@maddog6820]

Thanks for letting me watch you at work !! This is my second year as a bee helper. Reading the comments why wouldn't it be the original bees. I know when a hive swarms the old queen leaves but leaves some bees plus her replacement which is a carbon copy of her. So wouldn't it be classed as the same hive ? If its a good place for the bees why would they pack up and leave letting another colony move in ? You earned a follower the first vid I saw of yours melting wax I've watched maybe 4 now you are very educational. Thanks from Australia

[@JeffHorchoff]

Awesome to have you following along with my bee wrangling adventures, so happy you found my channel! To answer your question, it could have possibly been the same bees, but as hives die out all the time, in the 14 years since this hive had been opened, I think the chances are pretty good that a different swarm moved into the box after the old hive died out. But since we will never know for sure, it really matters not to me, the bees we removed are some great bees for sure! I'll be making a wax rendering video within the next 2 weeks, stay tuned. Thank you so much for subbing and for watching, and remember, I post a new video every Friday. Until the next one, God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@chuckroast7053]

Mr. Ed, I love your comment on going into the hive to make sure your bees are healthy. Im not a pro at beekeeping, but I see some folks out there in KZbin land that are dipping in the hives too often. In my opinion, its bothering the bees, and if they are healthy, im sure the bees will manage very well.

[@JeffHorchoff]

I do not fault beekeepers for going into their hives, after all, the bees belong to the beekeeper. My philosophy is a "hands off" approach as I truly believe the bees will do a better job at maintaining themselves than I could. After all, they are the bees. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Chuck.

[@lorenrobertson8039]

Will that honey be edible? I wonder what such an old honey comb would taste? Rich or just funky? This one looks so challenging! I had to take a break and have a few tiny spoonfulls of honey! My cousin brought me back part of a bottle of the honey from her cousin's bees from MO. My aunt that lives on a large parcel of land has also started keeping bees...or lets someone use her land to have bee hives that she gets to enjoy honey from. We are estranged so I won't get any of that honey. I need to find some very local honey for my allergies. Even though I'm not supposed to have any carbs hardly d/t health reasons I'd still love me some honey! Thank you and God bless you for sharing this with us!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Though the honey was edible, it was all given back to the bees, they needed it to survive on. Personally though, due to the age and condition of the comb, I would not have eaten it. I hope you will be able to get some local honey for your allergies, it really does help with them. Thank you for your blessings and for watching. God's peace Loren. Mr. Ed

[@jodiebristow3210]

First-time viewer here with absolutely no knowledge of beekeeping. I found myself trying to figure out what a lot of your terms meant and the reason you're doing this. I did find your video absolutely fascinating and couldn't stop watching even though I had no clue of what was going on.😂 Maybe explain a little as you go along for us newer viewers. I looked up why you were so adamant about finding the queen. Which shows how little I knew.😅 I'm subscribing to see whatelsI might learn of these creatures we can not live without. May you always be blessed for saving them. 🙏

[@JeffHorchoff]

What a great comment! I am always intrigued when a "non beekeeper" watches my videos and is attracted in some way to what they witness. Whatever the reason for your interest, I'm delighted to hear you subscribed, thank you very much for doing that for me, and for all the kind words you wrote. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Jodie. Mr. Ed

[@chrissy24-7]

This was cool to watch. My dear late Uncle was an avid bee keeper. I sure miss his stories

[@JeffHorchoff]

Who knows, beekeeping may run in your family, and you may possess the desire to have them for yourself as well. God's peace Chrissy. Mr. Ed

[@jeffmakepeace9384]

Mr Ed and GTC, what a dynamic duo!! Love how you bounce off eachother! Please get yourself some 18v battery tools, that way youll alwsys have a multi tool to hand, and never need worry about electric or a generator! You could even have a battery beevac

[@JeffHorchoff]

Trust me, a battery powered oscillating tool is on my list. Thanks for watching. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@yasminnilima2366]

Loved this video! I was glad to be able to share this beautiful cut out with you and the lovely Margreth! It reminded me of that I would love to build one topbar hive for my self. Thank you mr Ed! Love your smile and sad I missed the beexpo. Would have liked to meet you again! 🎉❤😊

[@JeffHorchoff]

How wonderful to hear from you and I'm so sorry you missed the NAHBE this year, it was even better than Hive Live. Hopefully you will be able to make the trip next year, Kaymon has already asked me to attend so I will for sure bee there. I hope all is well with you and I hope to see you next year in Louisville. God's peace Yasmin

[@NolaSpiersMitchell-gu5iu]

Oh my goodness looks like a big job Mr Ed and good Time Charlie And Margret god bless you all

[@Burntbranchcreekbees]

A masterful removal and video from the bee wrangling masters!

[@JeffHorchoff]

A great time for sure and some great bees as well. Thanks for watching....early. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@riccardoromolini5419]

Fantastic ! super beautiful video!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Delighted to hear you enjoyed the video, thank you so much for taking the time to watch it and to leave your comment.I post these videos, to show just how important bees are to our very survival, and why we should not just kill them out of ignorance. I have been rescuing bees from being needlessly destroyed for over 14 years now, and hope to continue to do so for many more years to come. Again, thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my over 600 bee wrangling/ bee rescue adventure videos and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Riccardo. Mr. Ed

[@nancynolton6079]

LOL I heard Good Time Charlie had enough "good time" and wanted to depart early from the Expo! So glad to have met you both and hope you arrived home safely.

[@JeffHorchoff]

So glad we were able to meet you and so many others that follow along with our adventures. The Expo was the best! Our travels were very good and I hope yours were the same. Until the next one, God's peace Nancy. Mr. Ed

[@captbriansbees]

Kenyan Top Bar Hive. It was the 1st hive I built when I first started planning to become a Beekeeper. I’m on the fence, I might put one of my splits in my Kenyan this coming season. I plan on building some Better Comb to prep the bars to help them.

[@JeffHorchoff]

I am a huge fan of long hives, regardless of using top bars or regular Lang frames, it's the perfect type hive for old folks like myself. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@Jaynes-Path]

I really enjoyed this one. Incredible to think that they have been closed up for so long and are still so healthy, storing extra honey, creating new bees, and not overrun with hive beetles! Imagine how many swarms have left there, how many Queens have been made to stay and leave with those swarms. Even their disposition was calm for never having been opened before! I bet that whole area is populated with bees that started in that one little box. Blessings to all of you for a wonderful new year!

[@russw3926]

This is a point most commentators miss. They think bees can’t make it without human intervention 🙄

[@russw3926]

Commenters

[@nfboogaard]

Thanks mr. Ed and Charlie for posting another hit video, keep on smiling and have a great day!

[@dianneiverglynne]

Ha! Ha!! Hope for my bees! 😅 That was amazing! I'm so glad you got to them when you did. God is good!

[@JeffHorchoff]

There is always hope when the desire for doing good is behind your actions. So glad to hear you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. And yes, God IS good! By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Dianne. Mr. Ed

[@dianneiverglynne]

Absolutely, Mr. Ed! I catch many of your videos and have watched for a couple of years or more, now, but will look for them on Fridays. I didn't realize you had a set day. That's great to know! Thank you and God bless you! I'll watch! I always love your content...especially love watching the wax every year, too. I now have a horizontal Langstroth with 33 frames filled with bees that came on their own. A little much for a new beekeeper...so you really do instill a little confidence--just soze you know...

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

Jeff the Lord sure drops some wonderful adventures on you lap. Great fun to watch!

[@JeffHorchoff]

That He does, I am a blessed man for sure. Always a joy hearing from you Mike, God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@trevelynbrown4444]

Congratulations on your rescue. You and Mr. Charlie never disapoint . Hope you all had a Merry Christmas . Wish you all a Happy New Year . Before I go I would like to say it's yours and Randy's fault that I am starting my second year as a bee keeper . Wish me luck .

[@JeffHorchoff]

If the Rooster and I had anything to do with your becoming a beekeeper I apologies for that, but I will always stand by what I say. "the world needs as many beekeepers as it can get." God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@guiart4728]

Definitely one of the best episodes ever! I have been very curious about top bar hives and this answered most of my questions. Very patient and skillfully executed!!!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Happy to bee of service and delighted you enjoyed the video! Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@guiart4728]

@@JeffHorchoff I watch all of your posts. I am not a beekeeper but find them fascinating! Good Time Charlie is an interesting and entertaining guy!!!

[@gavintrousdale7585]

What a great strain of bees that must be. All those years and that healthy. I once had a hive that was known to us as Germay bees, they were smaller than our other bees and almost completly black. Got rhem out of a tree that a bulldozer pushed down and the operator had to leave his machine until after sundown. They were in a hive probably that long, 14 years, until it rotted down around them. The reason being they were so mean it was not worth the stings that would be received if I tried to work them.

[@JeffHorchoff]

When I first moved to the North Shore, I came across a hive of black, small, German bees in a stump of a tree. Mean as hornets, but could they make honey. Unfortunately, I have not seen that species of honeybees in over 35 years. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Gavin. Mr. Ed

[@NolaSpiersMitchell-gu5iu]

Hi Margret nice to meet you

[@JeffHorchoff]

You will see Margaret again when we do a follow up video on these girls. God's peace Nola. Mr. Ed

[@paulholm4827]

Listen to Charlie. He is always right!

[@JeffHorchoff]

That he is. Man I am hard headed. Thanks for watching. God's peace Paul. Mr. Ed

[@polygonekoma]

This really was a cool experience thanks for sharing! I enjoyed you describing the smell. I would love if you could tell us more during aber how it smells and feels. Thank you and happy 2024

[@JeffHorchoff]

I love sharing my experiences of keeping bees and wrangling them, delighted to hear you enjoyed watching. For many beekeepers, the sights and sounds of bees, as well as all the honey they produce, are the main reason they keep bees, and I do love talking about it. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@ThePollaton]

Loved watching every second of that one. There are two hives near me that look just like that. I love going and watching them. I’m guessing they’re quite happy there ❤

[@JeffHorchoff]

Delighted hearing you enjoyed this one, finding a hive like this is so rare, and you have 2 of them near you....I'm jealous. Thanks for watching. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@edcoffin3514]

Charlie, he's calling you old.... who was putting the comb in the frame wrong😂😂😂

[@JeffHorchoff]

Charlie is older than me but he's sharp as a tack...unlike myself. God's peace Ed. Mr. Ed

[@evanhofmeyr-tg1gl]

Great video. Ill be watching more. God bless. ❤

[@mountainchild97]

14 years in the making! Time to give these bees a new home. 🏡🐝 Transferring them from this top bar hive is a testament to the bond between beekeeper and hive

[@JeffHorchoff]

Bees deserve to be rescued when necessary, and these bees were ready. Thanks for your understanding and for watching. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@ladydragon3648]

Hi & A late merry Christmas to ya, & Happy New Year. Good to see this old Bee hive. It looked like it was a great hive in the old box. Wow 14 years old.

[@tedking6380]

4:30 "I feel, I feel" wins the Foghorn Leghorn impersonation award. Now all Jeff needs to do is start referring to Good Time Charley as "boy". All in good fun. Love the videos.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Foghorn Leghorn was my most favorite cartoon. I just loved that rooster...not to be confused with the impersonator the 628 Dirt Rooster. Thanks for watching. God's peace Ted. Mr. Ed

[@SarahSmith-rg2vq]

Beautiful colony, shows that nature can endure without us there to babysit! Am curious to know what kind of mite load they have, but they looked strong.

[@JeffHorchoff]

I know mites are a big deal to bees and beekeepers, but as my approach to keeping bees is a very "hands off" one, I do not concern myself with it. I run about 150 hives, all from removals I have done over the years, and have never treated for mites. Yes I have losses, and some of them I'm sure are due to virus's from mites, but my losses are equal to or less compared to those who do treat. I do not recommend my approach as one that others should follow, just that if one choose not to treat or to treat, it is up to them to make that choice. By the way, when I split these bees in a few weeks, I will be bringing back the split with me to the abbey, I really like the genetics. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Sarah. Mr. Ed

[@nikigores8774]

Truly an epic episode!!! Superbly done, Mr Ed! Congratulations! 🎈👏

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you Niki, and thank you so much for becoming a member on my channel. Until the next one, God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@lavenderbridges]

This is really neat to watch. :). Thank you @Jeff Horchoff Bee !!

[@coolwatyr]

How many generations of the same bee family would have called that hive home? Thank you for taking us along on these adventures Blessings to you all ❤ ~Linda

[@JeffHorchoff]

There in no telling, and there's no telling how many different colonies occupied the same space over the years, but regardless, the bees that were here when we did the removal are awesome! Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Linda. Mr. Ed

[@Susietacoma]

That was fun! Thank you for the video. 🐝 🐝 🐝

[@JeffHorchoff]

You are very welcome, delighted to hear you enjoyed the video. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Susie. Mr. Ed

[@NKYHoneyBees]

*WOW that is amazing. Bees are fairly calm too which is a plus. Those may be some good genetics on those BEES. Thank you for sharing this. AMAZING!!!*

[@JeffHorchoff]

A great group of bees for sure, and in the early spring I'll be making a follow up on their progress. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@birdnest5814]

She’s right! Epic removal! I really enjoyed this one. Good save, my friend 👍👏😊💕🙏

[@Stan-lq1ep]

Good job guys the bees you vacuumed didn't die did they I hope it's not a stupid question

[@JeffHorchoff]

Not a stupid question at all, and no, the bees do not die when vacuumed. The bee vac is specially designed with low suction so as not to harm bees at all. This particular bee vac, the Everything Bee Vac, is one that is widely used by bee wranglers to remove bees because it is so safe and fast. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Stan. Mr. Ed

[@adilibrahim2735]

You guys are so much fun, I really enjoy watching your videos.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you, and thank you for taking the time to watch them. Untijl the next one, God's peace Adil. Mr. Ed

[@cheripierre9029]

Always exciting to see you guys taking care of the bees. They won't know how to act in a new palace. Lol 🥰

[@cynthiakranich8030]

Nicely done! Glad you didn't have to trim that comb other than cutting off the top bar. Hope they do well!

[@JeffHorchoff]

After cutting the comb off the bar, they fit like a glove in the frame.....what a break. I will be doing a follow up video on these bees in the early spring, stay tuned for it. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Cynthia. Mr. Ed

[@phillipduncan2497]

Sorry I didn't get a chance to visit with you more at the Expo. I did have a nice visit with Good Time Charley and Wreck It Ralph. Have a safe trip home.

[@JeffHorchoff]

At least we got to see each other, like ships passing in the night. What a great experience it was. We all got home safe and sound. Great seeing you again Phillip. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@janetrodriguez914]

Love your channel, happy new year to you and Charlie. God bless you in 2024. Keep making more videos.

[@amymetzger1290]

Y'all could use an offset spatula for some of that trimming work ;-). (And when you're not using it for beekeeping, you can frost cakes with it.)

[@JeffHorchoff]

I actually have one and used it quite often in the past. Looks like I will have to dig it out of the tool bag and start using it again, it does work very well. Thanks for the reminder and for watching. Also, I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Amy. Mr. Ed

[@lewiemcneely9143]

You better be happy that Charley is there to keep you straight which end is up! And yall need another wrestlerette. Good Rooster hive with a little more weathering and happy Brand Hammer New Near and God Bless ALL Yall!

[@NolaSpiersMitchell-gu5iu]

Hi Mr Ed and good time Charlie god bless you both

[@nedheadwyoming]

Way to go Bee Wranglers! What a hive! I see Good Time Charlie has a Bell Helicopter shirt on. I worked with these helicopters fighting wildfires!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Charlie flew helicopters in Vietnam and kept fling them till he retired 2 years ago. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@claybunner1059]

I think Professor Fred would like to see this one.❤

[@JeffHorchoff]

When I see him tomorrow I will show him for sure! Thanks for watching. God's peace Clay. Mr. Ed

[@Joeybagofdonuts76]

Good morning. Hope all is well.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Hey Shawn! Where are you today? Keep safe my brother! God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@Joeybagofdonuts76]

@JeffHorchoff still in KS. Heading to MI.

[@victorkulynycz1397]

Hey Mr.Ed where do u get the rubber bands and what size, Good watch!

[@athelee]

Yes, what size please?

[@JeffHorchoff]

I use a 7 inch rubber band that I buy off of Amazon. They come in a box of 200 and sell for about 7 bucks. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Matthew. Mr. Ed

[@athelee]

@@JeffHorchoff Thank you! And also with you ;-) Very new to beekeeping here, first swarm catch last week (Australian summer), so I will keep watching with great interest, as you keep up the good work and sharing it with us.

[@karladenton5034]

I think that the main reason that the bees were able to hold on when the roof collapsed is that the top bar design protected the comb below since the bars fit tight against each other. Since they have basically been living as wild bees for so long, have their genetics evolved to cope with mites and beetles like wild bees do?

[@JeffHorchoff]

The longer a hive has been in the same location, the greater are the chances of certain genetics, able to cope with beetles and mites, becoming active. This hive has some great genetics. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Karla. Mr. Ed

[@mirahs_world]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos.

[@JeffHorchoff]

And I am grateful for you taking the time to watch them, thank you. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@russellaymond312]

Love it great video thank you again

[@JeffHorchoff]

Great meeting you Russell, God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@richardrbrynerjr.7912]

Bee God I said it`s so nice to see them wild neglected honey bees get a new home and be managed by some nice feral humans!

[@JeffHorchoff]

No doubt, Charlie and I are VERY feral! Great comment! Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Richard. Mr. Ed

[@deannawoolvine5725]

What do you do with the bees in the vacuum cleaner

[@JeffHorchoff]

They are released after the hive has been set up to rejoin the bees that are on the comb already. Though I did not show it this time, on many of my other videos on removals this process is shown. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Deanna. Mr. Ed

[@kentcostello5286]

That's your best video. I love trying to save our honneybees

[@bligon11]

Do you worry about varroa mites in a hive like this?

[@JeffHorchoff]

I do not. I run a treatment free bee operation and have never treated bees in all the 43 years of keeping them. Presently, we have about 150 hives. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Becky. Mr. Ed

[@savannahsmiles1797]

nice top bar hive, I have a small one and they are nifty. Top bar hives usually are healthy cuz you don't mess with them like a traditional box hive.

[@JeffHorchoff]

I am a very big fan of ALL horizontal hives regardless of the type they are. Bees love them, and they are so easy on the beekeepers back. Plus, the bees make a lot of honey in them. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Savannah. Mr. Ed

[@yamileard]

Hello thank you for your program. I was interested in the size rubber bands and thickness. How long before the bees eat through them? I use large bands from staples and strap the comb vertically using too many bands each frame and concaveing the bottom of some frames.

[@JeffHorchoff]

I use a 7 inch X 1/8 inch rubber band that I buy from Amazon. They come in a box of 200 and cost about $9.00 US. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my over 600 bee wrangling/ bee rescue adventure videos and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Yamile. Mr. Ed

[@johannklopper7955]

Please tell me you are coing to use that topbar hive again??? That will make a great catch box. Good starter for new hive.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Even though this box has great possibilities as a catch box due to it's "flavoring," in my opinion, it's days of usefulness are behind it. Sure it could be used to attract a swarm, but I have so many great traps already that are in way better shape, this one was abandoned. Thanks for watching. God's peace Johann. Mr. Ed

[@edgufler1122]

Enjoyed the video very much Mr. Ed

[@JeffHorchoff]

Thank you Ed, and thanks so much for taking the time to watch it. Until the next one, God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@chelsealeonard-v1z]

thank you Jeff

[@JeffHorchoff]

You are very welcome, it is a joy for me to share our bee adventures. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@savannah505]

Happy New Year Jeff and crew, this was a great video as usual.

[@JeffHorchoff]

thank you brother and a very blessed New Year to you and yours as well. Glad you enjoyed it, and thank you for watching. God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@truthbomb4775]

A+ for the rubber band technique.

[@JeffHorchoff]

It works like a champ, and you can do it wearing gloves. I use a 7 inch rubber band that I buy off of Amazon. They come in a box of 200 and sell for about 7 bucks. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@truthbomb4775]

@@JeffHorchoff I’ve been a big fan for about 4 years. Thank you for the reply, it would have taken some trial and error to get the size right. I’ve ordered some for this season of wrangling.

[@628DirtRooster]

That thing just needed a fresh coat of paint on it.

[@JeffHorchoff]

That's exactly what Charlie and I said which is why we dumped it in your bee yard. Merry Christmas! God's peace brother. Mr. Ed

[@628DirtRooster]

@@JeffHorchoff My bad. I didn't see it because that was the burn pile you left it on, not a hive stand.

[@donstanley8514]

Do you think that the Formic acid naturally produces by the red ants may have saved the bees all these years.?

[@JeffHorchoff]

I doubt it. My guess is the genetics in the bees made them what they are, and these are some great bees. Thanks for watching. God's peace Don. Mr. Ed

[@HanleysHomestead]

Another great video.

[@TechGorilla1987]

@12:31 My old man and I had filet knives just like that when I was young. That, 3 in 1 oil and a stone were a part of any aspiring mans' tackle box.

[@JeffHorchoff]

That knife actually was my fillet knife from fishing and is over 40 years old. Thanks for watching. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@GrammyMidwife]

Great video!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Great to finally meet you in person Lisa, and what an event to have that happen. The Expo was better than last year, and I bet it will be better next year as well. Thank you so much for becoming a member and for introducing yourself. Until the next one, God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@stephenstone6571]

Amazing video! Finding the Queen at the very end!!!

[@JeffHorchoff]

Every time I find the queen, and very often it is at the very end, I'm a happy bee wrangler. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Stephen. Mr. Ed

[@Sea-cucumber1151]

Ants eat Varroa mites! Maybe that is how it survived so well, as long as they didn’t enter and lived off of mites.

[@JeffHorchoff]

Red ants also eat ticks which is another good reason to have them around, but I just don't want them taking up residence in the bee hive. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@richardgrumpywelsh2485]

You are lucky to be there where it is nice and warm, We had som e snow and someone came by with a plow and cleaned my driveway.. This was another great viideo my friends God bless all of you guys

[@kennith.]

Lucky the top bar hive frame depth fit nicely into the Lang frames.

[@JeffHorchoff]

It was a perfect fit.....lucky us. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Kennith. Mr. Ed

[@bunny_smith]

This was a very entertaining video. Thank you.

[@JeffHorchoff]

You are very welcome, and thank you for taking the time to watch it. Until the next one, God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@squarefour1]

Awesome. So the bees you vacuum up will go in the new box? I guess you put the bucket by the box and they march in ? 😎

[@JeffHorchoff]

Yes, all the vacuumed bees are released back onto the comb once the hive is set up. All I do is open the vac and shake the bees out. If you keep watching my videos you will see it quite often. Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace. Mr. Ed

[@sherlocksteve9109]

very epic video!!!

[@JeffHorchoff]

The perfect word for this video! Thanks for watching, and I hope you will check out more of my bee wrangling/ bee rescues adventures and let me know what you think of them. By the way, I post a new video every Friday morning, and I look forward to hearing from you again soon. God's peace Steve. Mr. Ed