Yesterday was Inspection #4. (I think) TJ is enjoying his new hobby a lot; and who wouldn’t? These bees are fascinating. I haven’t had the pleasure of doing an inspection with him yet. Partially because I am chicken and partially because I have no bee suit. Yes, I realize that bee suits aren’t necessary. However, I need one. Period.
Supersedure Queen Cell Photo Credit: Garth Vest
We believe the Queen in this cell is meant to supersede the existing Queen. We’ve read and been told that Queen Cells placed on the top and out of the regular path of the Queen are most like Supersedure Queen Cells. Possibly our Queen is getting old and they are looking to replace her. A few things could happen here.
- If the existing Queen messes with the cell, or with the new Queen, the other bees will terminate her.
- The colony will allow the existing Queen to stay until the new Queen gets up to speed in her egg laying
- I’ve read that some beekeepers have had two Queens in their hive until the old Queen dies.
Bee Chain Photo Credit: Garth Vest
This “bee chain” is to me, one of the most fascinating things that bees do. The hang on each other leg to leg, or hold hands, and form a chain across the hive.
Close up of the bee chain. Photo Credit: Garth Vest
The Nova documentary, Tales From the Hive, says they are actually measuring. This is also one of first things they do when a swarm finds a new home.
Skylar holding a frame of bees for the very first time.
This amazes me. Not only do I think he is incredibly brave, but he’s been stung in the face a couple times when he was little. Way to conquer your fears, Skylar! Um… that is if you have any fear at all.
Adding the Second Super
And then, there were two. Inspections are about to get a little trickier.
yea Skylar! That’s cool he got to participate!! Glad you figured out a bee tight outfit for him I’m sure he was thrilled!! Nice pics
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This is awesome! I love the pictures and had been wondering how it was all coming along. Skyler looks great, I love it! I know these boys of ours are capable of so much responsibility, and I love to see it in action. More power to you!
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Heather Reply:
June 17th, 2010 at 11:34 am
It’s crazy Andrea! We’ve had an EXPLOSION in population. and there are lots and lots of eggs! I know it’s so normal to some people, but it’s weird to think we have 30,000 bees in the backyard.
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So cool! Thanks for the documentary title. I have it in our netflix queue now. I want bees one day and I am enjoying learning along with you guys.
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Heather Reply:
June 21st, 2010 at 8:56 pm
No problem! It’s really amazing videography. We enjoyed it a lot!
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How do you know which bee is the queen bee?
Thanks,
Jen
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Heather Reply:
July 12th, 2010 at 3:32 pm
Jen, the Queen bee is larger and more slender than the other bees.
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