It’s an overcast Friday here in SWVA, but my heart is happy and sunny! I placed an order for a package of bees earlier this month and they arrived this morning! It was a weird experience. I sent a check, I had a few emails, and then I received a call last evening to be at a local Wal-Mart at 10:00AM. Last evening, I set up a hive, placed 5 frames and prepared to have a sugar water feeder on top of the hive. I drove this morning to get the bees straight out of someone’s vehicle trunk 😆.
To set up the bees, I had to prepare a 1:1 ratio of sugar water and use a spray bottle. Spraying the bees this way allows them to settle as they clean each other. This cleaning behavior helps to maintain hygiene of the hive and keeps them busy. I then removed the can of sugar water and removed the Queen bee cage before placing the package in the hive. The goal is for them to acclimate to the hive, which does have some drawn out comb, and to get to know their Queen so they work to protect and take care of her as she lays eggs. This weekend is going to be chilly, but I will go check the hive in a few days and hopefully they will accept the Queen and allow her to do her job.
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