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| Hive #1 |
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| Hive #3 |
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| Hive #4 |
I checked the hives last week when it was so HOT! They're holding their own but not making honey like I've seen in years past. They all still have room in the hive which was surprising. There's plenty of bees, didn't see but one hive beetle, some ants in Hive #1 but not a problem. I put a super on Hive #3 and removed the brood box which I had put on in April. They didn't need all that space and had not started working the frames in the brood box. Hive #1 and #4 still had empty frames so I left well enough alone.
It seems this year is not as productive for my bees. I know this is not the case for everyone but I won't be taking any honey till the fall and then we'll see. Hive #1 and #3 are both new hives - plenty of bees in each hive and they look strong and healthy. Hive #4 is also a strong hive. I'll say again the weather this year has been different. Right now we are in the hot, muggy and thunderstorm period and I expect more of the same for the next several weeks. Then we'll probably hit the hot and dry spells in August and September. And I have left the jars on the hives - I'll probably be feeding so it just makes more sense - will be one less thing to do later on.
