July 3rd: Hive 3
Left Hive (Hive 3)
I decided today was the window for best weather (only 80 degrees vs. closer to 90 the rest of the week, which in a full bee suit is very challenging) to double-check hive 3 and potentially rotate the larger brood box (currently in the standard lower position of the hive) to the top.
The top box has comb built on most but not all of the frames. There was nectar in the comb on the several frames. The 7th frame was very heavy with honey but I think that was a frame of honey I had provided when I recently added this 2nd box. The bees were not aggressive and clustered in the middle 2 frames, so I anticipated seeing the queen but did not spot her. I did not see eggs (not that easy for me to see them with aging eye site, and these frames in the top box have white frame inserts), larvae, or any capped brood in the top box. Now I'm doubting the accuracy of my recall from my inspection on July 1st. Hmmm?
I then started the inspection of the brood box. Note: The larger brood box frames have black inserts and I find it much easier for me to spot eggs and small larvae. The 1st frame was empty. 2nd frame had a small amount of comb. 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th. All had brood, larvae, and some eggs. I photographed one of these frames to show the very nice brood pattern. I did not spot the queen. I also spotted a queen cup in frame 3 and another in frame 4. I left them as is but I will check them all again next time. I think I need to add some sugar water. I will do this in the next day or two.
We are now entering a week of very warm weather. I am considering when to do a mite treatment but it's too warm to do now based on the instructions.
Yesterday, I ordered 4 additional Lyson medium boxes (they come unassembled and unpainted) and 30 medium wooden frames with black inserts with extra heavy wax coating. Once this all arrives, I'll put the new boxes together and paint them so they are ready to deploy when I hopefully need them. The boxes hold 9 frames each and will hopefully be needed for honey production. Fingers crossed, the hives will build up their colony populations soon to much stronger levels in the coming weeks.
Note to self: I have to figure out a system for recording notes or taking more photos during the inspections so I have a more accurate record of the hives.
