Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => TOP BAR HIVES - WARRE HIVES - LONG HIVES => Topic started by: SawBee on November 10, 2010, 07:36:45 pm

Title: Only about 1000 bees and a queen
Post by: SawBee on November 10, 2010, 07:36:45 pm

A May 15, 2010 Russian 3pound package built up to10 top bars by the end of summer.  I noticed the hive didn't have many bees the middle of October.  I check the hive yesterday (Nov 9) and found the Queen, but I estimate only about 1000 bees.  The hive had one frame with 20 or so capped brood.  There are nine top bars with 1/3 to 1/2 capped and uncapped honey. 

Is there any hope of saving this hive?  I don't see any way it can make it through winter.  I'm not sure if it is worth trying to add bees from another stronger hive.  It's been 60 to 70 degrees during the day, but its getting cooler.

Thanks
Sawbee

Title: Re: Only about 1000 bees and a queen
Post by: BjornBee on November 11, 2010, 08:24:47 am

Brush off the bees and protect the comb.

Or let the bees defend the comb and let them die after cold weather sets in.

I think they are not worth the effort, and will die anyways.

Title: Re: Only about 1000 bees and a queen
Post by: SawBee on November 11, 2010, 10:30:50 pm

Sounds like good advice.   At first I was feeling bad about loosing a Queen, but decided she must not be doing her part or the hive would have a larger bee count.  Saving the only things of any value (comb and stores) seems like the right move.

Thanks for the reply.

Title: Re: Only about 1000 bees and a queen
Post by: bee_linux on November 11, 2010, 11:30:52 pm

Sorry to hear about the hive.  You may also try using the queen to make some bait hive lure scent.  You can try soaking her in alcohol or lemongrass oil.