Hive update - Susan still in first place
It was no surprise that Susan, our one hive that survived the winter, is still the strongest hive. Â Two full brood boxes, and making progress on the super. Â The rainy weather has certainly slowed things down - this was the first time in weeks that I was able to inspect the hives. Â I wasn’t able to use the smoker because the matches wouldn’t light! Â I think I need a lighter for the smoker.
Emma is doing very well, and will need a super before long. Â She still has a few frames in the upper brood chamber that need to be completed with comb, etc. but she has ample bees for the job. Â The brood pattern looks good, a halo of honey stores around an oval pattern of brood. Â On the black plastic foundation it is easy to spot the larvae (it’s still hard to see the eggs, I think it is my aging eyesight to blame).
Victoria, though, is still struggling. Â The upper brood chamber is still hardly used, although 2 frames with some brood indicate the queen has been up there. Â The lower chamber looks better, but the brood pattern is still much sketchier than in Emma or Susan. Â If it weren’t threatening to thunderstorm (and I hear rumbling already), I’d have taken some brood from Susan to donate to Victoria. Â I don’t like to interfere that extensively in a hurry, and especially not without smoke. Â Perhaps next weekend will offer a better opportunity for meddling in the affairs of bees!
–Justin
