Honey Bee World

Hello All,

Today was my lucky day (in a way) because my 5 Broodminder arrived. Explanation about thus little wonders are right here http://broodminder.com/#Model42.

Because of some shipping problem, I will, should have more than I need and can sell 4 or 5. I am waiting for pricing from the inventor and will sell them for cost, probably around CAD58 each plus shipping.

Anyone interested, please send me a pm. If more than one show interest I will go 'first come, first served' and one per interested person.

All the best, Joerg

They are all gone now or installed.

Joerg

So, how is it going?

Hello Allen, I am away in the Caribbean till late Jan. and will report when I am back. Some strong winds, 35-45kn, today, so sailing is off till it goes down a little.

If my hives survive the winter, it would be for the Broodminders, more when i am back in detail.

Cheers, hope it warms up for you guys, Joerg

All-ride Allen,

I am back home after two wonderful weeks in paradise (except for the cost of living in paradise. I have never been hosed that good!).

Broodminders: I have three hives, each with two standard boxes. Two have 2 broodminders, one on top, center of B1 (the bottom) and one top center on B2. One hive has only one broodminder on B1.

My boxes have 2" polystyrene on the long side glued on, year-around, 2" on the short sides attached for winter only. I have special winter lids, that fit over the larger surface with 2" polystyrene in it and 1/4" plywood between the PS and the frames. Exhaust vents in the center with a piece of 1 1/8 poly pipe and a slide cover, normally 3/8" open. The hives are then wrapped in poly bubble wrap and black HD poly film. 1 1/2" x 3/8" entrances.

Okay. You may recall that I asked for advise about syrup running out of my hives and I believe my problems started then already, in October.

I installed 3gallon pails with 2:1 syrup on the hives in October. The hives were in top notch condition, lots of bees and still coming home with pollen and nectar and I did not weigh them, cause I thought 'more is better'. I noticed syrup running out of the bottom board. Then I checked the weight and they were good and heavy, but when I think about it, I believe my bees were strangely decimated and I assume that the must have swarmed without noticing it, because of lack of room and me. dripping bloody syrup on their heads.
Now, since then I can not get the temperature up inside the hive. The highest temperature I have had over the winter is now, 13°C with 73% humidity. Without the broodminder, I would not know any of this and as I said on Jan 11th, if they survive, it will be for the broodminders telling me what is inside, without opening the lid.
I have had minus degrees inside the hive!

Cheers, Joerg