third inspection
05/30/09 06:12 PM
Before I start the usual inspection report, I want to
document my first bee sting from my bees. It wasn't
during an inspection, but just while I was looking at
the hive, and the bees going in and out. A bee flew
out and landed on my hand, and when I tried to shake
her off, she stung me! Not only that, but two more
bees went after me, and one followed me all the way
home. At least I know I'm not allergic to bee stings.
In all fairness, the bees had every right to be mad.
Papa had just bushhogged the field directly in front
of their hive. I guess I just came at a bad time
.
The inspection went well, and no stings there. 6 frames are full, and I moved 3 more to the center. Three frames that had larvae last time now have capped brood (the cells with tan caps).
Some of the nectar has been capped too, and soon will turn into honey (the ones with white caps).
.
There was also some propolis (tree sap that the bees use as glue; it can be used to make salves or furniture polish), and I will be able to gather it next week. Even not counting the propolis and wax, I should make 300 dollars in honey by my second year (at least according to Beekeeping For Dummies). So if I get two new hives next year, by year 3 I have 300 dollar profit, and by year 4 I make a 900 dollar profit. Even considering disease, replacement equipment, and our own honey consumption, this whole beekeeping idea is suddenly seeming much more realistic. And it's fun! Perhaps that's an odd thing to say about a hobby that resulted in a painful sting just days ago, but getting stung has not dampened my spirits at all. They were just protecting the hive, after all. And there's a great feeling of pride in seeing your own beehive in the prime of health (even though the bees are the ones doing the work!)
.
The inspection went well, and no stings there. 6 frames are full, and I moved 3 more to the center. Three frames that had larvae last time now have capped brood (the cells with tan caps).
Some of the nectar has been capped too, and soon will turn into honey (the ones with white caps).
.
There was also some propolis (tree sap that the bees use as glue; it can be used to make salves or furniture polish), and I will be able to gather it next week. Even not counting the propolis and wax, I should make 300 dollars in honey by my second year (at least according to Beekeeping For Dummies). So if I get two new hives next year, by year 3 I have 300 dollar profit, and by year 4 I make a 900 dollar profit. Even considering disease, replacement equipment, and our own honey consumption, this whole beekeeping idea is suddenly seeming much more realistic. And it's fun! Perhaps that's an odd thing to say about a hobby that resulted in a painful sting just days ago, but getting stung has not dampened my spirits at all. They were just protecting the hive, after all. And there's a great feeling of pride in seeing your own beehive in the prime of health (even though the bees are the ones doing the work!)