So you have already put in your two packages (you did get two, right?) and a few days, or maybe a week later you checked them and…..something’s wrong!
What can go wrong with a new package? Kim and Jim chat a bit about the things that can and for some, will go wrong with new packages.
First check, the queen’s dead in her cage. Get a new one, find some brood from another colony, join with another colony? All work, but which is best?
After a week you check and…..no bees! They all left! Where did they go and why did they go? Maybe they just moved over to that colony next door that has brood, food and a queen. Or maybe they just left. What now?
Sometimes about half of them will drift to that colony next door, so you have a colony that’s really strong and one that’s really weak. How do you fix that?
What about a queen that’s released and isn’t laying? Do you replace her? If not, how long do you wait and see if she’ll start, or not start?
Kim and Jim take a quick look at all of these things that can go wrong. If you've had any or all of these experiences... you have our condolences! Listen to this episode today as maybe they can help you fix your package this spring.
If you like the episode, share it with a fellow beekeepers and/or let us know by leaving a comment in the show notes. We'd love to hear from you!
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Thanks to Betterbee for sponsoring today's episode. Betterbee’s mission is to support every beekeeper with excellent customer service, continued education and quality equipment. From their colorful and informative catalog to their support of beekeeper educational activities, including this podcast series, Betterbee truly is Beekeepers Serving Beekeepers. See for yourself at www.betterbee.com
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Honey Bee Obscura is brought to you by Growing Planet Media, LLC, the home of Beekeeping Today Podcast.
Music: Heart & Soul by Gyom, Walking in Paris by Studio Le Bus, original guitar music by Jeffrey Ott
Photos copyright © One Tew Bee, LLC
Copyright © 2022 by Growing Planet Media, LLC
