how soon after a mating flight would you check them?

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Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 15 11:12 am Post subject: how soon after a mating flight would you check them?
We had the most spectacular mating flight on Saturday, a whole cloud up to the leylandii and then after around 30 mins back into the hive, and no bloody swallows around! How long would you leave them before checking all is well?

Tavascarow

Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 15 5:07 pm Post subject:
I would wait about ten days. If I saw plenty of pollen going in at that time probably leave them alone till later as long as they had enough feed. If I didn't see any pollen then I'd suspect a bad mating & investigate.

Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 15 5:34 pm Post subject:
great info - will look for pollen bearers.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 15 7:21 pm Post subject:
Very handy! Spell it out for me, is this something to do with the bees that bring pollen in or something about the use of pollen. I know I should remember this but I am running out of brain capacity for most things at the moment!

Lorrainelovesplants

Joined: 13 Oct 2006
Posts: 6521
Location: Dordogne

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 15 7:49 pm Post subject:
The queen is there to lay eggs. The workers will collect pollen whith which to feed the young. So, if you see bees carrying in pollen you know the queen is laying.

Tavascarow

Joined: 06 Aug 2006
Posts: 8407
Location: South Cornwall

Posted: Mon Jun 29, 15 10:29 pm Post subject:
To grow new bodies they require pollen as a protein source. The bees will gather a certain amount even when the queen isn't laying but when you see a lot going in it's a sure sign a lot of brood is being raised. Adult bees, like butterflies & many moths only consume dissolved sugars in the form of honey or nectar. Wasps get the protein to feed their young by hunting other insect larvae.

Cathryn

Joined: 16 Jul 2005
Posts: 19856
Location: Ceredigion

Posted: Tue Jun 30, 15 8:39 am Post subject:
Duh! Thank you. I knew that but seem to be incapable of applying knowledge this week.

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