The Aftermath. Checking Up On How Things Shook Out

a Canadian Beekeeper’s Blog

[@seaturtle7777]

Final comment - I admire the truth of your storytelling. Showing us that hive left open over night with the full package still sitting on top was typical of your honesty. And sense of humour!

[@lt35phila]

Empty package is a beekeepers lunch box. Even room for the coffee

[@richardnoel3141]

I am mightily relieved after you posted this second video but I am sure not half as relieved as you are! My live you saw, same queens from Tenuta Retiro! You won’t regret getting those! The pink is actually a small disc. Their so easy to find. . Great job!! 😊🐝🙌👍

[@kat2641]

Why is it so peaceful feeling working our bees??

[@MinnesotaBeekeeper]

Frame equalizing package installs? Priceless no brainier!

[@derekvandenheuvel3207]

We used to use a nail and make a small hole thru the center of the candy. Just becareful you don't go to far and poke the queen, don't ask.....😂

[@alanwatts9232]

Hi Ian, do a test to see if that styrene is the type that melts in petrol, if it does get an inch or two of petrol into a metal bucket and feed them in, put on a lid loosely so the petrol evaporates and a brick or wire to hold it on, put it out of the way somewhere, eventually you will end up with a small disk of solid plastic you can get rid of easily. Your clothes and hands will sink of petrol for a while which the bees won't like. If the foam doesn't melt you'll have to think of something else.

[@nkapiariesjeffbeezos796]

Likely not practical to put em in Nucs. They seem to like the extra warmth that a nuc offers them. With that many colonies, I’m sure time is limited. Gotta get things done, no rest for the wicked, strong work Ian

[@russellkoopman3004]

It's great to hear the excitement in your voice. Like us guys buying a Harley LOL. My guess is that you could have honey supers on them by mid June. Have a great week Ian.

[@TheFarmacySeedsNetwork]

Bet it feels good to be headed in the right direction again!

[@Jackflash219]

Looks like a job well done!

[@dutchhollowapiary9795]

I’m just glad that the unfortunate part of having to purchase your nuc battery has for the most part gone smooth for you (at least the first few steps) you needed a positive outcome this spring. As always thank you for letting us into your operation

[@DialedN_07]

"Today is actually a REALLY nice day.....well it's not really". I started this video off very confused! haha

[@Jack-es9xq]

Another reason to like beekeeping --- it can be done with one arm :)

[@rodolflinner4201]

H Ian Really nice day hardluck to you

[@10peteo]

Are the queens anything special, or just Average commercial queens. It would be a worthwhile experiment to keep them all separated, even in the shed, to see how they preform. It might be a boost for genetics within the surrounding yards. Do they need patties or will they get enough pollen for brood rearing. I wished I lived closer, all of that is so fascinating to me. I know I ask a lot if questions and make a lot of suggestions, but it's so I can Learn. Great blog

[@boatman6865]

There must be a reuse possibility with those packages

[@anthonydavidson2839]

Ian keep that gelatine feed cut into cubes to slide into starving hives in winter shed

[@cuidandodasabelhasapicultura]

Você é um grande profissional . Acompanhando aqui no sul do Brasil 🇧🇷🤝👍

[@IllinoisBeekeeper]

Interesting video. Like the package boxes you use. FYI. One method I use is to insert a miniature marshmallow in place of the cork or the candy plug and the bees release the queen pretty quickly. Also cool or cold weather makes the package installation much easier since the bees are all cluster and very few take flight. Steve P.

[@seaturtle7777]

I do what Ian does - use a drywall screw to remove most of the candy. The amount you remove is like setting a timer. Quick and easy, and zero risk to the queen.

[@Ovenmitt123]

Lol Ian I thought at first your thumbnail was a picture of you playing music through a mini travel amp. I was wondering what wacky commercial methods you were onto now

[@skinnybeeman4584]

3/8 inch drill bit for removing candy

[@allsmilz7234]

*Best Wishes Ian* 👍

[@tjones2ful]

Packages seem like the take a couple of days to start flying.

[@Avi-ow4wo]

Good video and good luck with the packages hope they make you lots of honey

[@Dm.Alex.]

A lot of work has been done👍

[@hootervillehoneybees8664]

Did 49 splits Saturday now im thinking i should have gone back.. got pretty tired and over heated mistakes happen

[@philhofland5501]

Whats the penalty if a swarm of bees happens to fly north over th border while Inside a package?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Federal time … I’d be the first on you list

[@bokino7261]

I believe these queens are actually marked with a sticker, the ones we got last year were anyway. The colour is kind of neon makes them incredibly easy to spot.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Oh I see! That’s cool

[@philhofland5501]

Where at you located to have purchased bees with a disced queen. Alaska, Wyoming Colorado ?

[@bokino7261]

@@philhofland5501 Manitoba. I work for the supplier of these packages.

[@masonh2260]

I always like using a push in cage over capped brood. I always get a much better take than letting them release her. Check her in 5-7 days and pull the cage.

[@eranorion]

if only a new package had brood.

[@billybobbarker3175]

On packages with long flights and logistics, She’s already been in there with them for a week or more. No need to wait any longer. A direct release would work fine … if she doesn’t fly away. So best is to take all the candy but a few chunks barely big enough to keep her in while handling. Within an hour later she’s out. 👍 Acceptance is not the issues. The main thing is for the bees to stick to the new box, which takes a couple days with her confined in there.

[@MrMielten]

Would have used an empty box to place the package box in, removed the feeder and would have placed the queen between comb in an additional box to go on top of the empty box. No shaking, no dead bees in the hive (only in the package box).

[@ke6gwf]

That works if you are doing 2 hives, but too much work and steps and equipment for high volume operations. As Ian said recently, not enough hours in the day lol

[@bradgoliphant]

Hey Ian! Great video. Love your work. Hey, have you ever tried this new entrance device called the HuveGate? Wow. I’ve not got them on my entire apiary and boy it has changed everything. A worthy investment for me.

[@brenthoffman3832]

With all the dead bees the live ones clean them out; didn't know that. Then the dead bees decompose then is there a stench to this which causes the bees to move?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Typical east housecleaning Not many bees to clean. Just few hives

[@tonyjenkins272]

Good lookin bees them should really work good

[@Draintheswamp2024]

Stiffler did you know they make glasses to where you can see colors it's really fascinating watching the response from someone seeing colors for the first time, many videos on you tube

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I can see colour but more so confuse colours I wonder if the glasses would still work for me?

[@Draintheswamp2024]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog you have to promise to video tape it for all your KZbin friends to see, If it works this will be a blessing not only for me but for you buddy.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I don’t know if I’d want to :)

[@jackwaau]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog Do an online colour blind test and see how bad you are. Going by youtube, they can make a real difference. I don't use my hearing aids all the time, but appreciate them on special occasions. The glasses could be the same.

[@barbeonline351]

Suggestion of what tool to take to remove the queen cage candy: Drill bit. Something about 2/3 of the diameter of the candy tunnel would be my guess.

[@TaylorinShirewood]

Could also maybe use an ear wax remover, those ones with the little spoon at the end!

[@jonathanmchugh6953]

Or leave in an they eat it open

[@barbeonline351]

@@jonathanmchugh6953 if I understood Ian correctly, he wants his queens freed more quickly than if he leaves the candy as is. He still wants them eaten free, but in less time than the candy plug will take as shipped. So he was looking to find something that would let him reduce the volume of plug to his desired amount. Shortening the fuse on an explosive, if you wiĺl.

[@aleksandrishchenko7509]

Why don't you put lateral warm insulation, for example polystyrene?

[@lt35phila]

I would come back in a day or two. Make sure she is out. I've had queens stay in the cage even though the hole is clear. The clock is ticking.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

That’s tomorrows job

[@benjamindejonge3624]

Very keen to know more info about that gelatinous sugar gel. my best guess is with a starch or tapioca binder?

[@beematter]

The gel is an agar solution. Remains in gel form much higher temps than most gels.

[@palma8120]

Ian don't tell me you left the cover on the candy end on queen cage.... Rookie mistake...

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Nope we went through the following day to release queens as we sorted things out

[@seaturtle7777]

I can see now that not one of your clusters formed over the open space - they all clustered nicely into the frames. So the chance of random comb being built over the old pail (until you can come back) seems to be low. I should stop offering suggestions and just learn!!

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

LOL NOPE DONT STOP COMMENTING, I appreciate the engagement

[@tomfuller9010]

Comments used as mind jump some do others not so much enjoy the tag along

[@philhofland5501]

Regarding the gel in the cans. charles linder sells them for the bee busses. Personally dont like it. Are fat better feed options for transit available.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

The beee don’t like it either. Given the choice, they took to the syrup pail instantly.

[@Bri_bees]

I seems like the guy who makes the fancy packages would want them back, he should have a deposit.

[@eranorion]

empty packages airmailed back to Italia$?

[@johncampbellnewfoundland]

For $55,000 Ian owns them.

[@Bri_bees]

Oh I thought they were from Canada, it just seems a waste to toss them.

[@carriemartindale-wetherup5243]

We will use them for something eventually... Nothing that could be used ever gets thrown out on a farm

[@whoeverit9087]

I think we may see Steppler package bees next season.

[@johnrogers1678]

So these 10 frame boxes are your new nucs?

[@tjones2ful]

I would sell them if that is allowed.

[@theleadsheetspecialist1434]

Good luck with those Italian girls!!❤

[@eem8039]

Doesn't look Italian to me . They have greyish hairs. Rather Russians.

[@user-qt5cn6gy7j]

Итальянка в Канаде, ну ну, у нас таких дураков тоже хватает, а потом удивляются, почему они зиму в 6 месяцев не пережили,

[@beematter]

They are Buckfast bees, produced in Italy.

[@davidcassity6593]

Did you have a supercedure issue? I’ve got packages over the years and had anywhere from a 10-20% supercedure rate. Don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or package issues. They will make a queen, but definitely slows down the hive development

[@jackwaau]

Sounds normal enough, Poorly mated, because breeders flood the area with queens and then not let lay for 21-28 days before shipping. Both can add to supersedure.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

I hope not to have that issue. The bees are put through a lot. And the workers take it out on the queen

[@whoeverit9087]

Do you plan to re Queen with your own "winter shed capable" stock or is the genetic diversity boost they provide worth taking them through winter even if some of them cant handle the conditions and a moderate % fail. ?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Good question, I’m on the fence.

[@moosibou]

Why don't you just open the side port on those cages? Regardless, the bees would have eaten through that candy within a day and a half.

[@mikekehoe7692]

I thought once the cap was removed the bees would eat the candy to get to the queen guess that's quicker?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Quicken things up

[@Richardmaclachlan]

quicker, on one of my packages that i left the queens in the cages one of the candy plugs were still in after 5 days and the attendants int he cage with the queen were dead.

[@francisbalzer9324]

Do you do a mite count of the arriving packages? Nosema?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

As was planned but the importance of getting them into the hives without added stresses took priority

[@barbeonline351]

10 frames in the super? Have I missed something? Is it 10 with brood and 9 with honey?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Yes, tight brood box

[@steveholder7289]

Dumb question. Why didn't you uncap the plug on the queen when you shook them?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

We could of taken the time but we had to work through the next day anyway to centre frames and inspect the situation

[@steveholder7289]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog Makes sense. Thanks!

[@LIL-RED-BIRD]

How long are you going to feed them? I’m getting my first nuc in a few weeks.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Until the dandelion

[@LIL-RED-BIRD]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog thank you

[@SummitForWellness]

I know nucs cost a little more, but wouldn't getting nucs instead of packages put you 6-8 weeks further ahead? Would that have been worth the cost difference, or no?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

$350, $375. That’s an argument yes for sure. There are trade offs.

[@Richardmaclachlan]

it would all depend on time lines. i got packages in early April. nucs just started being available in this area last week. also then you end up with the old frames from the nuc producer and you already have frames ready to go. packages have the benefit of being available before nucs are ready.

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Bulk bees is natures way. Wax holds residues

[@danielhiller9165]

what is the origin of the packages?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Italian

[@45ksubscribers-x2x]

Why bees are dying brother

[@kuljitsingh8933]

job pls

[@Sweet_dreams_for_bees]

Nucleus =)) buy bees in Ukraine. cheaper and more

[@naturessweetbees3033]

I don’t think Trudeau’s gonna like you with all the Styrofoam, and one time use plastic you’re tossing aside! Lol On a serious note, where did your packages come from?

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Italy

[@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog]

Trudeau can come help me shake bees 😂

[@naturessweetbees3033]

@@aCanadianBeekeepersBlog LOL, now that would be one photo op or selfie that I probably wouldn’t mind taking the time to actually look at.