The weather was good and the temperature was 22 degrees today, so I decided to inspect a couple of our hives. Days in which inspections can be done are becoming fewer and fewer, as New Zealand heads into winter.

Here the summary of the inspections:-

Swanson 1

Swanson is a bustling hive with around three frames of brood and loads of honey.

I didn't notice any eggs or a Queen today, so this hive could be queen-less, we will check it again next week. The queen may be having a rest?

Glen Eden 2

This hive may have been robbed, Margaret noticed some robbing type behavior last week. These guys have plenty of brood, but very little honey at all.

I have added a frame of spare honey to the hive and reduced the hive to one full-sized box. We may have to feed this hive I suspect.

I didn't spot the queen, but did see loads of new lava.

I will check both of these next week, perhaps the answer is to merge the hives together, if the Swanson hive is indeed queen-less. We have heard some queens have stopped laying due to the winter temperature.

See ya….Gary

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Gary Fawcett

King Bee at kiwimana Beekeeping Supplies

Gary enjoys designing new kiwimana products which we sell through our on-line shop.He is passionate about saving the Bees and encouraging urban beekeeping.Gary loves to write about issues that affect the Bees and our environment.He is also into tramping/walking in the beautiful New Zealand bush.

Latest posts by Gary Fawcett (see all)

• Manuka Honey Explosion – KM137 - February 16, 2019
• The Miracle of Mixing Foundation – KM136 - January 30, 2019
• Is Honey Good for Your Diabetes – KM135 - January 23, 2019

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