During the late winter months, bees typically starve if they were left without sufficient food. Last weekend, we popped our heads in to make sure the bees had enough feed. All hives are thriving and chock full of bees. We did put some solid feed on, just as a precaution. They are actively bringing in pollen, which means they are raising brood and this is a sign of thriving overwintered colonies. www.chublovehoney.com #rawhoney #localhoney #honeybees #shoplocal #infusedhoney #creamedhoney #chublovehoney
Last swarm season we had many colonies swarm. Swarming is the natural reproduction of a colony, where they will split into two self sustaining colonies. This is what a swarm looks like when you capture the queen inside their new home, all the workers bees will sense her pheromone and march right in after her. www.chublovehoney.com #honeybees #rawhoney #localhoney #beekeeping #chublovehoney
Bees normally need anywhere from 100-200 lbs of honey to make it through winter. We try to leave a bit extra to ensure that if we have a cold or wet Spring, they have the honey they need. I always put on either fondant or a winter patty in early Spring, so I can rest soundly knowing they have enough food until I can officially inspect the colony when it’s warmer. www.chublovehoney.com #honeybees #beekeeping #rawhoney #chublovehoney