Beekeeping

We opened up three hives and took a total of 62 photos to test in the BeeScanning app as a tool to measure a varroa mite infestation.

Only four weeks after we added bees to our hives, they have doubled in size, the bees are drawing comb, and the queen is laying lots of eggs.

We got off to a slow start back in mid-March and the weather wasn't the most cooperative, but we've finally finished building the chicken coop.

They say that when it rains it pours. That was the case today when all the livestock we had ordered months ago showed up on the same day.

After a clandestine meeting in which I slipped a woman a wad of $20s and she handed me a small, carefully built wooden box, I was the proud owner of some bees.

The weather interferes with our plans, but work progresses on the homestead as we continue to ready for our chicks and bees to be delivered.

The weather turned warm and sunny, allowing us to continue to work on our bee projects and our chicken coop. We are now ready if the bees come early. The coop needs more work.

We put some miles on the truck and some wind in our hair as we cruised the back roads in search of beekeeping equipment.

You would not think twice about feeding your chickens, your goats, your pigs, and other livestock. Feeding your bees is important for hive health and honey production.

Are you a new beekeeper? Congratulations! Let's get your new hive set up and ready before your bees arrive.