LA Backwards Beekeeper Kathryn checks in with this story about moving her rescued bees:
I have this box of rescued bees from Arrowhead Water that Kirk brought me and the box was looking pretty sad. It had weathered the insane downpours the past month and the bees were thriving but something more substantial was overdue. So it seemed high time for a hive transfer.
The box had long frames in them and my hives were medium so Kirk brought me a box and frames with old comb in them (overnight a skunk or raccoon had a little snack of old comb but it was essentially intact). It still needed a top and bottom so I went to Honey Supply and picked them up. Here's my new setup. I was ready to go:
I recruited my dubious husband to document my first hive transfer as a newbie Backwards Beekeeper. Big points for getting that close to that many bees! Here we go....
The chickens came by to see what all of the fuss is about. Since there was no bird seed involved their interest didn't last.
I set up the new long box and install the old comb in the spot where the old paper box was. Figured the bees would be less disoriented if things didn't change too much. In this shot is my medium hive from which my original colonly absconded. So there it sits empty except for the comb which I put back in after freezing (to kill off wax moths) hoping a swarm will move in.
Now it was time to start putting the hive in their new box. It really is true that bees just aren't that picky. This colony was happy and thriving in a cardboard box, essentially. But us humans must always intervene.
Much activity from the girls as the frames start going in. They went right to the box so hoping that means the queen is already there and safe.
The landing pad looks pretty active as the last of the frames start going in.
Success! Bees transfered!
Checking out the new digs....
Look at the pollen on the girl near the right. Loved seeing that.
Another shot of newly moved bees figuring it out and an even better shot of pnacked pollen saddlebags.
And here they are ensconced in their new wood box, much safer from the rain, ants and predators. Enjoy, girls!
—Kathryn
