Hello beautiful bee people. The time is finally here to open up the SOBA Layen's Hives and see how those bees have been doing since we last opened them in May. We will also be putting them to bed for the winter, not to be opened again until after they swarm in the spring.
~We may or may not pull honey. This will be determined by what we have going on inside the hive, as we need to leave enough for the bees to make it through winter cold and spring starvation.
~We will reduce the brood area and get the girls all snug as a bug in a rug.
~We will also be doing a mite check for educational purposes, not with the intent to treat.
The club has two Layne's hives so we will compare how each has done this last year. Our lavender hive was started in spring from a swarm we caught in the SOBA bee year in our Layen's swarm box trap. The Orange hive lost its queen after it swarmed so was given a frame of eggs from the lavender hive and made a new queen from it.
~We will show how quick and easy it is to manage this style of hive. Great for the busy beekeeper who might work, have a family, or live a snow bird lifestyle with being away for months at a time.
~Demonstrate how its design is highly compatible and adaptable to those who are struggling with physical limitations through age or disability.
~Discuss its design style and the significance it has in regenerative and holistic beekeeping.
~See how it has fared in the heat and sunlight with possible comb collapse before we got the shade structures up.
~And discuss how it aligns with treatment free beekeeping practices.
So if you are interested in Layen's Hives and would like to see if they might be for you, would like to learn how to put your Layne's hive to bed for the winter, or just love to geek out on all things bees come join us.
Hope to see you there.
* We are always subject to the weather so date and time are subject to change*
Attendees must bring protective gear, especially a veil for face protection and wear close toed shoes. Please do not wear black clothing, heavy perfumes, or open toed shoes.
Please be sure to use the restroom before going to the apiary. We are meeting at the club apiary - not in the Extension auditorium or the Research building. Bring your own water and snacks.
