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Colonial Beekeepers Association February 2011

Colonial Beekeepers Association February 2011. Pete Ostrowski. Optimum Spring Condition of Wintered Colony (Hive & Honey Bee). Good Productive Queen 15-20 frames of bees (7-10 pounds) 8-12 frames of brood (all stages) 20 pounds or more reserve honey (5-7 frames)

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Colonial Beekeepers Association February 2011

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  1. Colonial Beekeepers AssociationFebruary 2011 Pete Ostrowski

  2. Optimum Spring Condition of Wintered Colony (Hive & Honey Bee) • Good Productive Queen • 15-20 frames of bees (7-10 pounds) • 8-12 frames of brood (all stages) • 20 pounds or more reserve honey (5-7 frames) • Continuous supply of pollen and/or pollen substitute or supplement • Adequate space for incoming nectar and upward expansion of brood nest (reversing hive bodies) WHEN DO WE CHECK FOR THIS??

  3. Spring Feeding • VERNAL EQUINOX - March 20, 7:21 P.M. EDT Spring officially starts 20 March! • 20 MAR 11 (Norfolk) – 06 APR 11 (Richmond) are last frost dates by Farmers Almanac • Nectar flows starts about 15 APR in our area WHAT CAN WE EXPECT BETWEEN NOW & THEN??

  4. Farmers Almanac Richmond

  5. Farmers Almanac Norfolk

  6. Spring Feeding • The availability of POLLEN and NECTAR stimulates brood production • Maples typically first bloomers • Brood cycle is 21 days • For Honey production, ideal to have 2-3 brood cycles complete prior to nectar flow • 42-63 days prior to 15 APR is 04 MAR-11 FEB

  7. Spring Feeding • Feeding 1:1 syrup (one container of sugar to one container of water) • Feeding Pollen Substitute (dry/patties) • Syrup could be medicated with Fumagillin for treatment of Nosemaapis and Nosemaceranae • Medication must be completed/removed NLT 4 weeks from nectar flow and any suspect stored nectar/syrup removed

  8. Spring Feeding • Feeding should stop for production colonies once the nectar flow has started • Hive scales good method for detecting incoming nectar • Lifting hives to check weight • White wax or wax on top of top bars an indication • Intent is not to taint the honey stores

  9. Spring Feeding • Feeding for nucs, splits, swarms, queen rearing and new colonies may continue once the nectar flow has started • Intent is to provide bees with a means to build comb and raise brood • In all cases you must stay ahead of colonies providing space for expansion to prevent swarming

  10. Questions/Discussion

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