Recent Posts

21

Equipment / Hardware Review / New uncapping tool

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 09, 2013, 01:53:30 PM »

Check out the Mann Lake catalog.

They have a new uncapping tool that looks like a paint roller.

Can't wait to give it a try.


www.mannlakeltd.com

Steven Lechner
Busy Bee Farm
303.657.5360

22

Keeping bees in "The City" / Urban collected honey

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 09, 2013, 01:43:44 PM »

It was just a matter of time.

Great article

http://www.honeybeesuite.com/pesticide-residue-in-urban-honey-yes-or-no/


Love the first line - heaven forbid you say something.......

And the article doesn't even address particulate pollution such as diesel and other exhaust residue.   

Steven Lechner
Busy Bee Farm
303.657.5360

23

Products of the hive / Great apitherapy website!!!

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 09, 2013, 01:34:20 PM »

Found this great website covering apitherapy

www.apitherapy.com

Steven Lechner
Busy Bee Farm
303.657.5360

24

Equipment / Hardware Review / Re: Paint and stains

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 08, 2013, 11:27:21 PM »

I quit painting my hives several years ago.  The only thing I now use is two coats of boiled linseed oil on the outside of the equipment.  They weather really well and don't end up standing out like a sore thumb.  Keeps the curiosity seekers away if you know what I mean.

25

Equipment / Hardware Review / Re: insulated plastic hive boxes

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 08, 2013, 11:23:41 PM »

Hi there - my approach on insulation is to look to nature. Most colonies in nature do quite well in a tree for example with a hole that lets cold air and rain in.  Not to say that I don't want to do the best for my bees but I have not found plastic insulated hives or tar paper to be of any positive effect.  For me it is extremely important to keep snow drifts away and provide winter VENTILATION.  I loose hives during winter when they have not been provided adequate top ventilation.

26

Queen & Bee breeding / Re: Marking my queen

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 08, 2013, 11:16:57 PM »

If I am not mistaken, Mann Lake carries/sells queen marking pens and cages.  You may not know that each year is designated with a different color.  That having been said, I quit marking queens several years ago as in my opinion it is a totally waste of time, especially if you have a lot of hives.  You may have to spend a lot of time looking around the hive to find her even if she is marked.  If that brings you joy then by all means go for it.  The reality is that there is almost no need to ever look for her let alone find her.  I concentrate on looking for "signs" of her.  You can tell a lot if all you see is capped brood, or if you see capped brood along with larva, or if you see capped brood, larva and eggs.  All of these have specific timings - for example if you see eggs you know she was there at least up to four days ago.  In any event - good luck this upcoming season.

27

The Garage - "FOR SALE" / Re: 2013 5 frame Nucs Available--Apis Hive

« Last post by Melissae on March 08, 2013, 11:15:54 AM »

I am in Carbondale and new to bee keeping. I am very much looking forward to getting established and setting up my hives. I am taking classes May 4th and 5th and would like to know if you have any bees and nucs still available! Thank you, Amita Welles 928-607-4393

28

The Garage - "FOR SALE" / Re: 2013 Package Bees from Highland Bees

« Last post by Melissae on March 08, 2013, 11:12:18 AM »

Hello,
I am new to bee keeping. I am in Carbondale, Colorado. Do you make any deliveries closer to this area by chance? Thank you, Amita

29

Bee Removal / Swarm Rescue services / Bee Removal - North Colorado Springs to South Denver

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 08, 2013, 09:49:13 AM »

Service provided by experienced, full time beekeeper. We typically do over 200 removals per season.

Not "Zero Kill" - but as close as you can possibly get to it.

Bees are re-located and after a quarantine period to insure the bees are healthy, they are used in pollination and honey production.

Non-destructive removal where at all possible, - meaning we don't tear your house apart - 80% of cases can be done this way.

Preferred and/or referred by Ace Pest Control, Budget Pest Control, Orkin and many local animal control agencies and fire departments.

Prices start at $175 plus materials - typically $25-$50

Busy Bee Farm
Larkspur, Colorado
303.657.5360

30

NEWbees - Beekeeping 101 / Beginning Beekeeping Class

« Last post by Busy Bee Farm on March 08, 2013, 09:38:42 AM »

We will be presenting a Beginning Beekeeping class at Wilmore Garden Center next Saturday 03/16 form 10a-2p. Call Wilmore at 303.416.2949 to reserve your seat.

Steven Lechner
Busy Bee Farm
303.657.5360