Installing Package Bees In Dandelion Hive

Written by on in Beekeeping, Beginner Beekeeper, Candy Board, Dandelion Hive, How To's, Installing Packages, Package Bees, Queen Cage

Installing Package Bees in Dandelion Hive

After installing packages in two rooftop hives, Willow and Squill, Brian and I installed the third package at an outyard location in a backyard nearby.  Brian built a hive stand out of cedar for the bees.  Isn’t it beautiful!

Cedar Hive Stand

I named this hive Dandelion after the flowers importance as a spring food source for bees.  Dandelion pollen is orange, it’s very nutritious for bees and one of the most important pollens for brood rearing.    Like the other hives, I’ve made a page on the website so you can track this hive’s progress.  You can also get there by mousing over The Apiary link above and clicking on Dandelion Hive.  Dandelion was installed in a Langstroth 10 Frame hive using plastic pierco foundation. 

For this install I placed the queen on the top bars and used a rim board to give the bees room to take care of her.

The Dandelion queen on the top bars.  Her bees are still in the box.

Now it’s time to shake the bees into the hive.

Shaking the bees into the hive.

I used the candy board I made over the winter as a rim board for the hive (after I cleaned it of course). 

Using the candy board as a rim board.

The bees are now happy to be in a new home and out of that box.

Dandelion after the install.

To see more detailed pictures and descriptions of the package installation view the gallery below.  Just click on a picture then scroll through the slideshow by clicking on the arrows.  If you click on the picture the gallery will close.  If you are viewing this in an email or reader you may have to read this post on the website for the gallery and descriptions to display properly. Enjoy!

Putting the rim board on.
The bees are in the hive now.
Another view of the bees in the hive.
Now I am carefully replacing the frames.
Now I am carefully replacing the frames.
Now I am carefully replacing the frames.
Last I adjust the frames so there is no space between them.
The bees in the hive.
Brushing the bees out of the way.
Brushing the bees out of the way.
Brian shakes some bees in the hive.
Putting the rim board on.
Putting the covers on the hive.
Adjusting the outer cover.
Dandelion Hive is now installed.
Brian made a modified entrance reducer to use with the Boardman feeder.
The side of the hive.
The flying bees are going in the entrance.
Some bees are on the back of the hive.
Dandelion Hive
Placing the queen in the hive.
Spraying the bees lightly with sugar water.
I used my hive tool to help pry the syrup can out of the box.
Removing the syrup.
Putting the cover back on so the bees don\'t escape.
Removing the Queen cage.
Inspecting the queen.
Inspecting the queen.
Inspecting the queen.
Placing the queen in the hive.
Spraying the bees lightly with sugar water.
Placing the queen in the hive.
First I shake some bees on the queen.
Then I shake the rest of the bees into the hive.
Shaking the bees.
I turned the box and banged it so the bees fall towards the hole.
Banging the other side.
Shaking the bees into the hive.
Shaking the bees into the hive.

 

Other Posts You May Enjoy:

  1. Installing Package Bees In A Rooftop Hive Named Willow
  2. Picking Up The Package Bees
  3. Bee Package Installation – Don’t Forget The Cork!
  4. I Want Candy! So Let’s Make A Candyboard For Winter Feeding
  5. How To Assemble A Frame – A Beginner Beekeeper’s Guide

This post was linked to Homestead Helps and Wildcrafting Wednesday.

Anita Deeley is a biologist and former state bee inspector who maintains 100 honey bee hives. She is the beekeeper, writer, owner and creator of BeverlyBees.com. When she is not spending time with her girls (the bees), she enjoys being a wife to her beekeeping cohort, Brian and mother to 3 little boys (the beekeepers in training). Read more about Anita here >> -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Connect with Anita on Twitter, Pinterest, Google+ or Facebook here.

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