Swarm to Hive Part 2: Gene & Jody's Bees

In this video we are installing a swarm into a new Layens horizontal hive that we just built. Our friends, Gene and Jody, had a swarm move into the swarm box we put up at their house, and so we built a hive box to leave at their house. It's just painted white now, but Jody has plans for original artwork to come later.
We are practicing natural beekeeping methods using Layens horizontal hives that we built ourselves. To get a copy of the plans that we downloaded for free and used to build our swarm boxes, frames, horizontal hives and insulated horizontal hives, click here: horizontalhive.com/

[@andrewlay88]

He running away like he sceered! Haha 😄 Good luck in your new install!

[@randsbees]

He said he was afeered! Haha! But he didn't stung! The last 2 lit him up. Thanks for watching!

[@johncrawford656]

Nice swarm! Good luck Gene and Jody!

[@randsbees]

A good size swarm - not as big as yours - but a good number of bees. Yours are in the next video scheduled to come out Friday at noon.

[@patriciadouglass9972]

Another nice install, especially considering you had to contend with less than perfect weather. Thanks for sharing. Love watching your gentle handling of the bees.

[@randsbees]

Your install was the easiest one by far of all the ones where we weren't able to put the swarm box near the eventual hive opening for a few days. Maybe yours are just special 🐝. Thanks for your continued support!

[@patriciadouglass9972]

I’m guessing you think as I do that they are all special. It just may be that the weather cooperated more. Really enjoy watching you guys. I realize you both are very busy but when you can, keep the videos coming.

[@randsbees]

Thanks, Pat!!

[@johnrazor8720]

👍🏼 from Knoxville.

[@randsbees]

Thanks!

[@randsbees]

Any bees showing up in your neighborhood yet?

[@johnrazor8720]

@@randsbees no lots of dead shrubs from the freeze and a total lack of bees.

[@randsbees]

@@johnrazor8720 I keep expecting to read that they are finally showing up.

[@johnrazor8720]

@@randsbees me too. My neighbor has the most gorgeous azaleas, I’m going to check them tomorrow, it will be warmer. Thanks for your thoughts.

[@andrewlay88]

How long did it take them to build that far? No smoke I'm guessing on the transfer

[@randsbees]

They had been in the swarm box about 3 weeks. We had one frame of old brood comb in the box as bait, but all the rest was new that they had built out. We were rushing to beat the weather and didn't light the smoker.

[@highlandhoneybee]

Gave me anxiety watching you pull a frame from the middle. Good way to risk rolling the queen and killing her. Best to pull an outside frame, then break loose and move (or remove) each frame in succession, going inward. Nice swarm though.

[@randsbees]

Good point. We still have a lot to learn. Thanks!!

[@jaredsparr8536]

Maybe put your microphone inside your veil?

[@randsbees]

I'll try that. Thanks for the suggestion.