Bee Beard is patiently waiting for a swarm of bees. He is finally located on site, facing east with the bamboo blocking the southwesterlies that rage in the winter.
After reading a post by Phil Chandler about the importance of moisture control and hive scent, I decided to hollow out the base. It was much easier this time as the saw pushed all the way through.
Phil was also discussing the importance of hive ecosystem…“that it might be beneficial to have wood shavings and possibly dry leaves in the hope of stimulating an ecosystem similar to the natural environment where perhaps earwigs and woodlice etc. would live below the bees and maybe eat any falling varroa.” Should I add shavings or sawdust? I’ll just rake up these shavings and jam them in the center. I can always add sawdust later.
A view from the top. The quilt box fits nicely here on top of the short top bars. Sawdust will fill the quilt box over the burlap. Then the ‘hat’ pivots back to center.
Bee Beard worked hard all winter and served up 6 swarms. I missed the prime swarm but caught three more. One went into my new Warre hive.
Preparing Bee-atrice for a hive
Adventures in Natural Beekeeping 