Image Gallery » Beekeeping Gallery
Murray Collecting a swarm November 2012 Swarms of bees can present all sorts of problems for homeowners and beekeepers. They don't always oblige us and cluster somewhere easy. I was very lucky this time when I was asked to remove a swarm in a garden. It was hanging barely six inches off the ground and required only a single snip with my pruners. The cluster was then lightly bumped into a waiting hive complete with frames and some stored honey. | Educating children about bees Offering children the chance to participate is one of the joys of beekeeping for us. Kids are so observant and are naturally amazed by how close they can get to the bees. Spotting the Queen is number on on their list! |
Involving kids Talking to kids and spending time to answer their questions is part of our role. Kids want to know what they are going to see. We like to take time to talk to even the youngest kids. Our record holder so far is a three year old. | A swarm of bees hanging near ground level 2012 Bees "swarm" when their hive or natural cavity such as in a tree becomes too crowded. The colony reduces the queens food supply so decreasing her weight. This allows her to become flight ready. Replacement queen cells are created in the hive. When all the conditions are right a large number of bees along with the queen depart to find a new residence. |
Heidi tending to one of our hives At Rentahive we pride ourselves in top quality hives and healthy bees. Heidi is about to carry out a periodic inspection of a hive in a rural setting. | Hive health checks Hive health Checks include looking for abnormal symptoms, unusual behaviour, signs of poor health or loss of good brood . There is a lot to see. It is suprising to see that when the hive is exposed to bright sunlight they pretty much carry on as if nothing has changed. They are very tolerant. |
A Queen Cell ready for introducing to a hive | A Queen cell in a protective cage |