Tuesday, August 2 2011
Tuesday, August 2 2011
Yes, bees need water just like us. We have built a pond at some expense; however, the 'girls', as we call them, do not want to drink from this. It is aerated with plants, a solar pump and even with a couple of fish. Although the pond is within 5 meters of the hives, they prefer a stoneware bowl of mine filled with rain water and a bed of moss.
As long as they are happy!
Sunday, July 31 2011
Sunday, July 31 2011
What a joy today to have our lunch just next to the herb garden where our marjoram is.
I was too lazy to get my camera for my own part of the blog so thanks Christine for taking the photos
They must be after the nectar since I can't see any pollen in thier sacs
They look in very healthy condition so my hive inspection has paid off. All is well.
Sunday, July 10 2011
Sunday, July 10 2011
I spent the day near Saumur photographing Stéphane as he inspected some of his hives. The bees are working fields of sunflowers at this time of year.
Thursday, June 23 2011
Thursday, June 23 2011
On inspection of the top bar hive, we discovered an abnormal amount of drones (those whose function is to eat, drink and be merry and fertilise a queen). Stéphane and I looked for Queen Zena - she had been marked - and found that they had killed her and raised a queen of their own.
However, the takeover queen had not been properly fertilised and she was producing mainly drones. These larger darker cells were being built for them.
Stéphane was obliged to kill this queen and introduce a new one (bred in his laboratory and placed in a tiny cage). I am calling her Asha, a Hindu name meaning hope.
We decided to divide the colony in two (with a new queen in each group). In doing so, some combs were damaged. Neither of us was happy to see how we had inadvertently destroyed the work of weeks by the bees. It was heartbreaking. There wasn't sufficient 'bee space' and the gaps had been partly filled with wax. We have redesigned the system and Dan will make new bars next week. We'll introduce them as soon as possible.
There is better news about the smaller traditional hive. The number of bees has doubled and the colony is strong. Queen Boadicea has been laying well and there is a lot of honey. Since these bees are more aggressive than the others, we had to be careful in handling them. We took two worn and damaged frames and replaced them with brand new ones.
We kept the honey, gathered from spring flowers and the first chestnut blossoms.
Wednesday, March 9 2011
Wednesday, March 9 2011
I have just been informed by CIPAV, the people to whom I am obliged to contribute large sums each year towards my pension here in France, that I shall be awarded the grand sum of 25 euros per annum! After more than ten years of paying into the system.
Since the likelihood of being able to retire seems aeons away, I'm going to put this aside and concentrate on the present.
I went early to the market at Henrichemont to buy some spring cabbage plants. In the middle of the square I met my bank managers and together we had a meeting about a loan. Right there in the sunshine. Long ago in England I used to have to fill in forms requesting a loan and go through several hoops to get one. Today, I was told I'd be telephoned when the sum is ready. How relaxed to work this way. Forget the pension.
We spotted a bee in the newly opened celandines and heard hundreds more humming in some catkins- the noise was impressive.
Although I lost all my bees this winter (in company with most of the beekeepers in this area) I am looking forward to installing new colonies in my two hives and have moved both to their permanent positions.
Click on the pics!
Tuesday, December 7 2010
Tuesday, December 7 2010
I do know how our bees stay warm in cold weather. However, I just hope that I made the right decisions for them as far as their supplies of food for the winter are concerned. The colder weather has arrived a little sooner than expected so I have done the best I can to try to protect the hive.
We will know more later on.
Sunday, November 14 2010
Sunday, November 14 2010
My new top bar beehive will need about 30 wax starter strips. The bees will make their own combs from them instead of using readymade unnatural oblong frames.
I bought some blocks of wax which had first to be melted in a catering-size tin over a bain marie then transferred to a sturdy tall glass storage jar.
The wax was heated to around 70 degrees. I dipped a wooden baton into the warmed wax several times until I had coated it thickly enough to be able to remove a strip.
The cold wax strip came away easily with help from a knife. Iced water may be even more helpful. The strip sits upright in a groove in the top bar.
For a snug fit, I spooned in more wax.
Perhaps not the most perfect example of a wax starter strip but this was my first attempt and a highly enjoyable way to spend Sunday morning in the kitchen. Now to make some bread and see to the kiln I'm firing.
Pictures by Christine West
Click on the pics!
Sunday, November 7 2010
Sunday, November 7 2010
I recently asked Dan to help me cut some wood to make a new beehive. A few days later I was invited by Dan, Hester and Robin to put my shoes on and cross to our garden opposite. I had no idea what was hidden under the cloth which Robin excitedly helped me remove.
Here it is, a magnificent natural beehive, designed by the Barefoot Beekeeper. This was a project I hoped to do with Dan over the winter months. However, I knew in my heart that most of the complicated work would fall to him.
Bars are provided for the bees to create their own combs without the usual frames. There are extra compartments either side so that the hive can be enlarged. Alternatively, these can be used as a swarm chamber or as a feeder section. Best of all, there is a glass viewing panel hidden behind a board with sliding bolts.
This system is not about high yields of honey, simply a more natural way of life for the bees. They should be altogether healthier in this new home. Further reading on natural beekeeping can be found on the site above and in the book The Barefoot Beekeeper.
Many thanks again to Dan, Hester and Robin for this wonderful gift.
Click on the pics!
Wednesday, September 29 2010
Wednesday, September 29 2010
Our bees appear to be unwell and exceedingly unhappy, due it seems to mites, a lack food and an unhygenic hive, delivered to us in our innocence! A bad start but we are learning quickly. All of this came to light when talking to a friend of ours who is something of an expert in organic methods of keeping bees.
Today we purchased a brand new hive from a beekeeper in the Sancergues area. It has two chambers complete with frames. The wax in the frames gives off a honeyed smell which attracted the bees while we were working. The wood was treated with a natural seal against the weather.
Christine brushed a solution of organic sunflower oil infused with thyme (a natural disinfectant) before the hive was reassembled with special spring clips. Now the whole thing is drying in the kiln room.
Click on the pics!
Friday, August 27 2010
Friday, August 27 2010
To explain, I'm very happy to announce that we are the fortunate owners of a hive of bees.
The apiculteur who sold the swarm to us, together with all the gear I'll need, chose the quiet far corner of the garden to position the hive.
These are Buck bees, something which really pleases me as I feel that I have my countrymen around me, like a little GB fortress in France.
Buck bees are said to be less aggressive than others. I am told that they will be agitated for a few days while they find their bearings in their new home. However, I just had to go to introduce myself this morning. I talked to them and even sang - but not Land of Hope and Glory!
Next week the beekeeping begins in earnest when Stéphane returns to deliver my special clothing and to introduce us to our new friends.
Click on the pics!