hi again, you will have noticed lots of activity with the hives recently, spring is early so make sure you get into your hives and check your queens have enough space for laying and your bees for making honey...

and as per my last post about AFB locally, be extra careful if you collect any swarms in the area.  Keep the swarm separate from your existing hives and inspect frequently for AFB and other diseases.  Don't merge the swarm with an existing hive until you are sure it is disease free.

hi everyone, I hope some of you had the opportunity to take advantage of Sunday afternoon's sunshine to check your hives for spring. Queens are beginning to lay again for spring and the bee population can grow quickly. Make sure your hives have enough stores to feed the growing hive, especially as the bees will not be flying every day - the weather can still be wet and windy. Drone numbers will be increasing in the hives in preparation for mating. Check for varroa and apply your spring treatment now before the main honey flow.

Welcome to two new members to the group - now we are 12! I hope your bees are getting out and about in this on and off summer weather. There is still plenty flowering and the nectar is still coming in. If you plan to extract this year, you can book one of the club extractors from John Burnet. They are popular, so get in early. Remember to ensure you leave your bees with at least a box of honey to take them through the winter (8 full depth frames of honey or 10-12 3/4 depth. frames)

On the last sunny day this week (Tuesday) I looked at my split and small nuc which i made about a month or so ago.

I was heartened to see some eggs and very young lavae in both boxes.  Now I just have to wait another week to see whether these are worker bees or drones.

Rewarewa trees in Trellisick Park  are starting to flower, as well are the cabbage trees in the garden so it seems that the honey flow is starting despite the miserable weather.