This Is How We Do Hive Splits

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I am so blessed to have the family that I do. As I sat here trying to come up with a decent thumbnail for this video I found this still shot my wife had taken. While I'm not sure how it will do as a thumbnail it stirred emotion in me so it was chosen. As I stared at the image trying to come up with some catchy text to go on it I was struck with what is really important here to me and that is family. I liked the shot so much I almost left the text off so as to not ruin it but since the general public won't likely see in it what I do I had to put something provocative on it. I am very appreciative that I get to work with my dad and brother in beekeeping and also that I am able to share some of it with you. I pray we can continue this for many years to come and that you'll enjoy these videos as much as we enjoy making them.
In this video we focus mainly on how we make our splits but if you stay to the end I show a little of a commercial beekeeping operation loading hives to new pallets for transport to a pollination job on almond crops in California.
This was not a sponsored video but Guardian Bee Apparel did supply the gloves and jacket. Terry, the owner of Guardian Bee Apparel, is a personal friend. I believe in his products and actually went on his web site ordered and paid for this suit for my wife. In just a few minutes I got an email stating that I had gotten a refund. Terry wouldn't let me pay despite my protest. Thank you Terry. Free equipment didn't buy my opinion. It really is the best as far as I'm concerned. If you want quality in beekeeping protection go to 628-dirt-rooster.myshopify.co...
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If you'd like to shoot an intro for a video you can post it on "RooTube" in our community forum on the 628DirtRooster web site. Remember, hold your phone sideways to record yourself.
Whether you are just starting beekeeping, have beekeeping questions or you are a pro and want to contribute to the conversations check out our forum at forum.628dirtrooster.com/
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My most commonly used hive tools amzn.to/2XfPSsq
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[@RobotWillie]

Greatusage of the My Cousin Vinny scene. You always find a way to make me laugh, in a good way.

[@beesrfunny]

Love to see a family working with the bees! It's a great example for us the younger generations! Keep up the good work and stay safe! -Yara

[@chrisfurlough466]

"If the gloves fit, you must do splits!"

[@628DirtRooster]

Good one!

[@cabincreekzeke6257]

This is what makes the quarantine bearable! Some dirt rooster!! I love seeing the family involved in the bee keeping way of life! Thank you dirt rooster for taking time out to make these videos to entertain the masses(and for the fancy book learnin' you add in with the entertainment)

[@charitablemiraclebeekeeper1200]

What quarantine?

[@Eric19781]

Vincent Lanham there is no quarantine when you have bees there is always something we need to be doing

[@mikeries8549]

I have two yards. I only go out to look at bees. My truck is getting two or three weeks per gallon. The irony is ... I never go out anyway. My lifestyle has not changed one bit except I CAN'T GO FISHING ON PUBLIC LAKE

[@user-rz3vm1ye3w]

Probably the most wholesome channel on youtube

[@beewitch5569]

Happiness is getting on youtube and finding that there is a new 30 min Dirt Rooster video!!

[@holliglendenning3149]

Oh Lordy! You are so refreshing to watch with everything going on with the world! I needed those laughs today!!!

[@skinnyswheelz5330]

Amen!!!

[@curiousone2940]

Hi Rooster family! I've been wearing ear buds while watching the video. Found myself swatting around my head a couple of times when a bee got close to your microphone. It sounded like a bee was in my hair 😁

[@passagecreekbees348]

Hi Randy ,Just caught your video .I wish the both of you would do more instructional videos like this us beginners,thanks, Paul.

[@OklahomaBeekeeper]

I always enjoy when you interact with your family. Learned something new, I've never thought about, from your brother, cutting back the honey cells.

[@swvastories3498]

Love the thumbnail pic Randy. I so wished I could have worked bees with my dad before he passed. He had some hives but got rid of them before I came along because my older brother was getting stung every now and then. My cousin who did work bees with my dad some, now has several hives. It's funny how beekeeping gets in your blood either directly or indirectly.

[@628DirtRooster]

It's a good way to bond

[@hornesbee]

Been messing with bees since 2009, watched a ton of bee videos. Yours are the best by far. You have a wonderful family, and I enjoy seeing you working your "hobby" and so glad your whole family is involved !! Keep on doing what your doing !! May God bless you and your kin. James

[@628DirtRooster]

Wow, thank you James.

[@Gawonii1Austencao]

You need Mr. Ed there to help you find the Queen, lol.

[@628DirtRooster]

We'd be there all night. ;)

[@Gawonii1Austencao]

@@628DirtRooster lol

[@branmcg9844]

BROTHER YOU HIT THE KICKER TODAY. AFTER WATCHING AND LAUGHING AT THE O.J. REFERENCE WITH THE GLOVES; I GOT OFF MY ASS AND GOT BUSY IN THE YARD.

[@samanthasimental3788]

Your voice goes so soft when you talk to your wife. So sweet.

[@willemkossen]

Been watching your channel for a while. My uncle used to do beekeeping and unfortunately he died before i was old enough to get into it, or i wouldve taken over. Now it doesnt fit into my life with work and kids, but one day, i hope to find time to get into beekeeping. Thanks for reminding me with every video. Yall stay safe. Greetings from the Netherlands!

[@Musicguy1161]

Truly wonderful video Randy! It doesn't matter if it's beekeeping, target shooting, gardening or any other of thousands of hobbies or full on businesses this is how it should be done whenever possible. Family living and loving and working together makes it all worthwhile and your family demonstrates that perfectly. Thank you for showing that to everyone watching, especially those that don't think it can be done. Also, thank you for all of the hard work it takes to record this and then make it into something that meets your standards for a post, I know that is a ton of work for you and also thank you for the basic beekeeping information, I can't be the only one that learned something by watching this! Lastly and most importantly, I hope God continues to bless you and yours Randy, please pass that along to the rest of your wonderful family!

[@subpoppy1]

Appreciate you going to the effort. Good to see homefolks. Y'all stay safe.

[@InnerPeaceBeauty]

I'm learning so much about these gorgeous, important little beasties 😊. I have a bit of a phobia, as I'm quite allergic (watching 'My Girl' as a child traumatised me haha!) but this is helping me fear a wee bit less.. Thank you.. Much love to you and your family from New Zealand xx V.

[@newatthis50]

No need for words for the thumb nail. I've got one of those pictures too. Family is where it's at!! Thank you, your family, and God for the information , which is great. Much appreciated info! More appreciated fun. Nothing like family working together!

[@elibroome1696]

Randy I never read the descriptions but something was telling me to read the description of this video. I have so much respect and appreciation for you sharing how much family means to you. I would give anything to be able to spend another day with my father. We are a all boy family I have three older brothers and I love spending every second I can with them. I could certainly do without being called the baby though LOL. My wife and I enjoy watching your videos. I was messaging Mr Ed the other day about how much we like watching you Mr Ed and JP. She won't let me keep bees so I'm a beekeeper through your videos and love your hats. God bless from the Florida Space Coast.

[@wolfpack9958]

Love the 628 videos! Saw my first wild swarm in the middle of the city of Raleigh on Saturday. They were so loud and they landed on a tree limb across the street about 40ft. high. They were still there until about 1 p.m. sunday when they decided to take off to their new permanent home. It was cool observing that.

[@lindawalker4825]

Your family and wife do wonderfully. I love when you two go sight seeing being I don't trvel much anymore. I'ts beautiful down there. Thank you L.L.W.

[@honeyimhomebees]

Great video!! Love the my cousin vinny clips, had me dying!! Nice to see a different perspective.. cheers my friend!!

[@thuffman44]

Awesome video man! I love seeing these hive management style videos. I'll often tell folks that doing removals is the fun part.. but the real "work" comes when managing them. LOL. Always enjoy seeing you and your brother & it was great seeing your wife suited up as well!! Thanks for choosing to edit and share this one. ✌️🐝🐝🐝

[@derricklewis6724]

18:20 looks to me like the queen was in that little cluster you touched and ran to the other side of the frame

[@MohamedUAE]

At 2:30 O. J. Simpson i was laughing so hard my kids even thought am going crazyy 😂👍🏼

[@egparis18]

Thank you very much for sharing these moments DirtRooster. Love from Paris to you and yours.

[@SuperBuickregal]

Thanks for the video and entertainment Randy 15th thumbs up and 2nd to comment.

[@birdnest5814]

I love the thumbnail, Randy. It’s a nice pic of you 3 working together. I disagree about that pic not being able to say it all. Be safe, my friend, and the whole family, too😊

[@2_pencil]

I really liked what you said about the thumbnail picture. It’s a wonderful photo. Thank you for sharing.

[@paulawaldrep3760]

I just spotted the Queen!! She just carried your NuC box away!!! :)

[@lindawalker4825]

Sense I've toned into your program, I was and is truly amazed. It's a wonderful profession and science. I never knew anything about bees most especially bumblebees , yellowjacks, hornets etc. Thankyou For education Linda L. Walker

[@empireoflizards]

Excellent video!!

[@badassbees3680]

God Bless you and your family

[@petermurphy6216]

Thx for sharing with us your videos sir, I enjoy all what you post out very interesting and informative for me being a new beekeeper in my 2nd year , keep em coming sir .

[@628DirtRooster]

Thanks Peter

[@papasplace2]

You are a truly blessed man for sure.

[@davidpowers6036]

Loved the video and the first paragraph you wrote Dirt Rooster. I'm from South Carolina and as a fellow Southerner I know just what you mean, its all about family

[@matstanley9635]

Hello from Austin, Texas!

[@mikes1345]

Seeing your wife in a bee suit somehow reminded me of the chicken tractor incident. That was an all time funny video.

[@628DirtRooster]

LOL I'll have to remind her of that.

[@LANEZZ-jv5ok]

"I GOT STUNG IN THE JUGGLER" 😆😆😆😆

[@skinnyswheelz5330]

Loved the video!!! The longer videos are always the best!

[@generalford1485]

I am a truck driver love your videos.. Think I saw pops bees!! My first time ever seen bees being hauled on a semi.. Once I retire from this would like to be a Bee Keeper. I think yourself and Jeff should do a how to videos start to finish

[@pnwRC.]

"Like O.J." That made me LOL more than a little!

[@RS-lv2lk]

Good to see your lovely wife in the video. I know she's been in the car in the odd video but it was nice to see her more involved. She's got a good sense of humour too! 👍

[@marcleblanc7021]

Thata those african lady bugs. Man they make a mess always getting in the house. Trying to make clusters and they Bite. I was hope the bees were going to sting and kill the things. Now i see they dont care where they make a community! Great video. Thaks for sharing!!

[@hermesgeko]

This seriously has to be the coolest job ever!

[@joer5627]

I didn’t know about the comb being to deep. Thanks for the tip. I am getting my knife in the bucket for tomorrow

[@ianotimelord]

Thanks for another interesting video. I've learned so much about Bees from your channel. Look forward to more, stay well.

[@628DirtRooster]

Thanks bud. Take care.

[@shawnh8754]

I love "My Cousin Vinny" That was great timing!

[@asambrown]

I pray that you and yours came through the storms unharmed.

[@628DirtRooster]

We did thank you. I hope you were safe as well.

[@joesoutdoorplaces]

Those are some tame bees. My bees get into three point stances and rush for my face like linebackers after Drew Brees.

[@julieenslow5915]

Always a pleasure to see another DirtRooster video - special bonus this time is we have your sweet wife and brother in it too! Someone is turning into a video Queen! (don't preen, i am talking about your wife!!) Great video!

[@rontronnesjr]

LMAO - love the My Cousin Vinny clips, awesome!!!

[@Eric-gi9kg]

A friend of mine to a truck load down to Calif...I bought 3 nucs from him. He's bringing them back to Spokane this weekend (April 17th). Cant wait...bin away from beekeeping for about 3 years...too long.

[@jamesbaber1582]

I was just out in California and seen pallets of bee hives sitting out by the almond trees

[@rickhuggins2040]

I wear Guardian Bee suits, best protective gear ever !

[@ethansbees6537]

I saw that some bad storms went through your company area hope you and your family are doing well, stay safe.

[@628DirtRooster]

Doing OK No weather yet

[@neontechaj7455]

Hi Mr Rooster, I love watching your videos. Beekeeping is really interesting to watch! Plus I can observe bees/wasps safely from my phone as I have a crippling fear of them! Lol I’ve been hearing a drill-like sound recently in my grandmama’s bedroom wall to ceiling, it usually kicks off real loud in the morning when the sun hits the house or when someone mows their lawn, but yesterday it was really bad due to how hot it was outside. I’m really not sure what they are, internet says Carpenter Bees, European Wasps, or African Honey Bees. It’s not a pleasant sound to hear when you wake up, and it’s LOUD. I can hear it from my room which is down a short hallway. I’d appreciate a response, thank you and be safe

[@cswatson4823]

You all are the AAA of beekeeping. Amazing Awesome Apiarists

[@lewiemcneely9143]

Gloves to fit watermelon hands and saw log forearms! Good to see Tommy out and Little Mama. With the color she painted those hives, was she raised in Florida? My sweetie was from Sarasota and our trim on the house is Oracle Sun and it's a LOT like the hive paint! And whatever you do will bee fine with ALL of us and if somebody objects they're just eat up with corona virus itis! And Mr. Ed was HID when yall were doing all that. Snored out I bet. GBWYall!

[@trevor311264]

Here in the UK we typically don't use the same sized frames for brood and honey, that way we don't need to trim cells back. Brood frames are usually 14" deep, whilst honey super frames are 8½" deep.

[@charitablemiraclebeekeeper1200]

The width of the brood and honey frames makes more of a difference. Brood frames need to be 1.25" wide and honey frames need to be 1.5" wide

[@trevor311264]

@@charitablemiraclebeekeeper1200 That is surely down to the spacing, not the width of the top bar?

[@charitablemiraclebeekeeper1200]

@@trevor311264 no, the width of the bar. Can do the same thing with frames and then you don't need spacing

[@billtheboatman]

I've watched my bees in an observation hive chew down deep cells to the right size for brood. They will actually chew the wax away and reconstitute it in another comb location.

[@mikeries8549]

Me2. The bees move stuff around like crazy to organize in a observation hive. Reminded me that I have one. I only put bees in it for a few days for the grandkids. Now would be a good time to get that going for them. They're driving their mom batty.

[@crdorado1195]

That was interesting and to see the clips of "cousin Vinny", it was too much.

[@chrisbgarrett]

Good stuff buddy

[@randlerichardson5826]

You and your brother make some great videos brother.

[@eddief3326]

we had a truck driver take a load of bee to Cal. when he got to the scales the DOT thought thay would insp. the truck untell he got haft way there and ask what he was houling , he said bees the DOT officer stop, turn around and took off running hollering get the hell out if hear , I am alagert to beeeeeeeeees

[@Doxymeister]

Years ago, I worked security in the truck-yard at a huge distribution center (the largest in the US at the time) and we had a massive swarm decide to take up residence on the wall of our outdoor break-room. It literally brought the yard to a standstill. One of our yard-dogs, a local, had a friend that was luckily a beekeeper, he and a couple of his friends were willing to haul-butt down there and catch them for us! LOL, I had to lock myself in the guard-shack, I'm allergic to them too!

[@PopleBackyardFarm]

nice job on the splits

[@captain776]

Good to see the family “BEE” together

[@RobFarrowATV]

Thanks Randy appreciate the shout out! Hope it fits! Keep up the great work!

[@BESHYSBEES]

I wonder if he’s going to wear it in some videos for you Rob

[@628DirtRooster]

Hope spring hits y'all soon.

[@OutdoorRob]

@@BESHYSBEES Don't know...up to him. Don't wanna get bee crap on it! LOL!

[@OutdoorRob]

@@628DirtRooster Ya, not looking very good here right now, snow on and off but at least it's melting! Take care Randy and stay safe!

[@waltertchapman32]

Also might have to hire your wife as a product model, she makes the jacket and gloves look GOOD!

[@628DirtRooster]

Ooo Extra income stream. lol

[@pnwRC.]

12:55, great info to know 13:10, Better call Mr. Ed! 16:14 "Pine Straw Virus" LOL! It's rare to see MRs Rooster in a bee suite!

[@shaney3116]

Looking at a guardian suit now...I've got an ultrabreeze but it's about wore slap out. I really like them though. Any subscriber discounts on the guardian?

[@NanaVicki1]

Big southern boys!!

[@rhno3842]

My man💪

[@sandybrecken6871]

Great job dirt rooster enjoyed the video

[@Digger927]

You shook the queen in that nuc at 17:40'ish.

[@barbarasimmons4158]

I thought I saw her on that frame too.

[@Prober61]

I have a question. I've been watching Bee videos for about a year now and I saw the video where you captured the bees at the truck stop that were lost from a transport. Why don't they close the bees in the hives so they can't get out? It seems they lose a lot of foragers.

[@timtraver7152]

The Ladies Beekeepers Association approves of the new hive color so tread carefully...

[@628DirtRooster]

Them and the garden club

[@flickaJay]

We use propolis to roll up in aa little ball and pack a broken tooth. It make it so much more comfortable until you can get to the dentist.

[@628DirtRooster]

Works wonders for all kinds of stuff. I hadn't considered that one though.

[@jasonstorm8315]

Great video as always DirtRooster :) I was wondering do you sell mated queens an if so for how much an do you ship?

[@mattf3238]

17.33 I am almost positive you shook the queen in that nuc.

[@bunkysbees1294]

yea i saw it as well

[@Drenchhh32]

I seen that as well only reason I came to comments!

[@GrimKeeper9011]

Shawee can just whistle and queen whistles back. Lol

[@mzTayTay17]

We got to get out of here it’s ugly in here😂😂😂 that is too funny😂😂😭🤣

[@justgonnagetbetter1037]

That thumbnail on my phone liked like your brother didn't have a shirt on, I'm looks why have a bee hat on and no shirt! 😂😂

[@628DirtRooster]

Haha

[@lindawalker4825]

Oh Yeah!! I always thought BUMBLEBEES WERE NICE. Linda L. Walker

[@douglasgrant8315]

Hi Randy Just recently there is a youtube commercial that shows an automated beehive house called the smart beehive that harvests the honey automatically. Have you had a chance to watch this? It has all the electronics and even solar panals. Looks like it can house about 10,000 bees.

[@628DirtRooster]

Don't think I've seen that yet.

[@randlerichardson5826]

Dang new gloves wow we know who has the green backs the money money money 💰

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Another good video with all of you working together. Did your dad have bees before you all was born or did you all get into bees around the same time. ?? Hope family is doing well. Keep them coming when possible

[@marycountry]

Hope you and yours are all well.

[@MyHollowpoint]

I could make a full body suit out of those gloves :)

[@628DirtRooster]

Or at least a pair of pants...

[@RICDirector]

I'm waiting for Mr Ed to put a watermelon in the sleeves....just to prove a point! LOL!

[@bees3847]

That girl run like she have a busted shock, lol

[@ravynkat]

Boom, just gave it the 1K like!

[@mbgal7758]

Have you heard about the study they came out with recently that links some bee illness with the almond pollination in California due to the pesticides and the bees having to be active earlier than what they naturally should be? Wondering if you had any thoughts about it.

[@teresamsanchez7307]

I have been watching your channel for a few years now. How many hives would you say you make each year? How many years have you been keeping bees?

[@jaredcolahan759]

I've been watching your videos for quite a while. I know you dont sell your honey. So what do you do with it all. It would appear that you have lots of hives. Question. Can you keep a hive at a balance were it won't grow and swarm but yet won't die out?

[@628DirtRooster]

They're going to want to swarm at least once a year but with a little bit of work you can manage a pretty good balance.

[@joejones-pm3md]

Sad part about bees going to California half or more won't survive.

[@ionaphillips8500]

wow enjoyed ,do you ever get mistaken for ailens at night the the bee suits on? hugs stay safe

[@everetthenry4310]

I watch your videos for about an hour a day

[@628DirtRooster]

Not sick of us yet?

[@everetthenry4310]

nope

[@altaylor293]

I haven't seen a veil like that one. On most caps and veils the crown is too small but if it fits you I feel it would be ok for me. Where can I find one?

[@628DirtRooster]

I bought out a guy and have about twenty left. I'll try and get some up in my web store by Saturday. 628-dirt-rooster.myshopify.com/collections/all