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Thank you for the compliments! It's been a crazy 3 years with the bees sharing new experiences with me each and every time I visit the hives!

The tote is from Home Depot. Here is a link to the video showing the tote and the holder inside, HTH! th-cam.com/video/ICxwakFjk_Q/w-d-xo.htmlsi=Jt5Aj2hs9YQJm9pG

The queens were probably in the mix. I just did not look that carefully. This colony died due to essentially the same reason as the purple hive. Bees consumed honey all the way to the top of the frame and did not move to either side of the path to access additional honey. It is too cold for them to move to either side or to a different frame with honey reserves. I have no idea if bees in the wild have mold as I have not researched that. My hive boxes have had mold each year. The raw wool in the pillow might have something to do with providing mold spores. Wool pillows will not be used in the future. The attic will be insulated with the foam insulation instead. You might have seen the Introducing Greenie video, that shows all the upgrades in hive building going forward. All the frames will be used by the new bees and they will decide which resources to consume and which to remove from the cells. They will remove the dead, capped brood as well. The frame with the moldy comb, I cut wide of the mold so I could enjoy the honey. The rest of the moldy comb was tossed to the woods. Bees are scheduled to arrive April 27th. The frames will just remain the hive box until then. Buzz Ya Later!

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley Thanks for all those explicit answers, Shirley. I'm eager to see the new bees, soon now!

You have a lot of propolis, have you ever considered collecting it and selling it?

@@bobdinsmore482 That is a great question! Yes, I certainly could the next time frames are scraped. Are you interested in purchasing?

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley I don’t personally buy propolis but when you google, where can I sell propolis there seems to be a market for it and at a good price for it. I know Dr. Leo sells it at a good price. Hope it helps.

The yellow hive has historically robbed the purple hive, right after the honey frame pull, even though the yellow hive would have enough honey to support it's colony. If these boxes were further apart, robbing would be less likely. Yes, I will be trying to wedge insulation in the attic before any new bees are installed. It will be tricky as there is a lip of wood in the roof to work around. The purple hive is going to be used as a swarm trap for this year, far away from the current location. No, those bee clusters were dead. Even though there is food directly to either side of the cluster, they don't move to the side of the frame or to another frame. They tend to only move up a frame. They died from running out of honey directly above the cluster and not being warm enough to move to another frame. The cluster was so small, it was not going to make it through a brutal, Wisconsin, winter. Also, this hive has wool in the walls. I am not sure how well the wool was packed since I did not build the hive. So it is not as insulated as it should be for my location, Zone 4B, with near constant wind. If the purple hive does have bees going into winter 2024, it will be wrapped with foam insulation in October. Hope this answers your question. I'll tell Mom hi from you!

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley Thanks, sounds good :-) happy beeekeeping...

Thanks for your opinions!

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley Opinions based on ~10 years of no-treatment/low-treatment management.

Yes! They like to party!

Thank you!

Thanks!

Hello Again, Thanks for watching a second video! Yes, they probably needed more room so built in the attic. I seem to recall that when I did an earlier inspection, the honey was not capped so I opted to not pull it. A few things to note going forward: Colonies will now be getting frames that need comb to be built which will take them time and resources which will in turn keep them working on the frames and not the attic. The darker comb has been used for 3 years so is ready to be cycled out of the hive and into the burn pile. This will yield some frames that need comb built. Yes, the attic is going to be retrofitted with insulation in an attempt to help year round temperature regulation. 20 frame boxes are too small for my area and surrounding resources if frames with comb are used since I don't want to pull uncapped honey frames and replace with empty frames before fall. Going forward, only 24 frame hive boxes will be installed that have man made insulation everywhere, walls and roof, while foregoing the wool pillow and wool insulation. HTH and Buzz Ya Later!

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirleyThanks for explaining, I think I sort of get the problem with spacing in the hive. I'll watch you to see you work it out. Now, you say you will put the used too-brown wax on the "burn pile." It's no good for candle-making? I've always wondered just why it is brown, do you think? In other words, just filtering the liquid wax would not restore it to its fresh whiteness?

@@pmlm1571 The dark brown/black wax from brood frames have been in the box for several years and therefore have been through many cycles of brood. The cells get smaller with each new generation of bees and contain less wax as the years progress. Only melting the wax from honey cappings will yield just one melt time in the crock pot. See my videos on that in the Equipment Playlist. If the brown/black wax is melted, it will take a second or third melt to get it clean. A frame of the black/brown wax can be installed in swarms traps or scrap the comb off the frame and use the comb in the bonfire. I have also just buried it to give it back to the earth. HTH!

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirleyI see: it takes disproportionately high level of resources to reclaim the old dirty wax--not worth it. Thanks, Shirley, blessings.

Hello, thanks for your comments! That pile of bees on top is not typical and not something I have encountered before during a fall inspection. I did note that this was unusual because dead bees are usually removed from the hive. Unfortunately, I did not go back in the hive after this inspection due to weather not being conducive. So I really don't know what resources were left in the hive. BUT, based on past experience, there should have been enough honey in the remaining frames to get through the winter. This turned out to be an experiment to see if only going to a certain number of frames deep for removal and then leaving the rest on the frames intact, would work for wintering. Instead of removing every frame and disturbing the propolis envelope holding the frames together at the tops. I will be visiting the hives in the next few weeks and will share my findings. The temperature swings in my area have been atypical so will be able to either they are alive with cleansing flights or be able to open it up for a clean out. Buzz ya later!

Follow the Extractor links provided in the video description to answer your question.

You are welcome!

Yes! I shared the link to where I purchased my model in my 2022 extraction video. Here are those links for reference which includes the extractor and motor add on. HTH! Extractor: meyerbees.com/product/lyson-large-frame-extractor-az-slovenian-layens-w2027b/ meyerbees.com/product/lyson-motor-upgrade-kit/

Thanks! Frames that have the "G" in crayon are ones that Gary built. Will be placing more of those in the hives for 2024. Some were in the swarm trap for 2023 and will cycle those into colony use for 2024 as we did not catch a swarm in 2023.

Thanks for stopping by Kennith! Hope you find my channel useful using the Layens horizontal hive system. I try to film all that goes on in the apiary in the hopes that if you see it here and then experience it in your own apiary, you can make better decisions. I'll add filming my updated version of this frame rack to my list. For now, check out the link at the top of the video description to get a glimpse of the new position for the legs. Buzz Ya Later!

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley I have subscribed and will work through your video when I have a little time. Thank you for sharing.

You are welcome!@@kennith.

Thanks! Yes, I mentioned at 4 min 20 seconds to rebuild them to solve some of the limitations I discussed. I have since just moved the legs to be positioned between the wheels on that end. The other end legs were moved closer to the short side. I added these modifications to a different video but I have no idea which video that was. I can fit 10 frames in my updated version and that is plenty heavy for me since I do need to do some lifting of the tote. In this video description, I credit a fellow beekeeper with creating a holder that solves all of the limitations I mentioned throughout the video and where to find his free plans. His is the super deluxe model! Mine is just scrap wood made to improve on frames that were free moving in the tote when there was not a frame rest in the tote.

Thanks! Yes, I mentioned at 4 min 20 seconds to rebuild them to solve some of the limitations I discussed. I have since just moved the legs to be positioned between the wheels on that end. The other end legs were moved closer to the short side. I tagged what I did on to a different video but I have no idea which video that was. I can fit 10 frames in my updated version and that is plenty heavy for me since I do need to do some lifting of the tote. In this video description, I credit a fellow beekeeper with creating a holder that solves all of the limitations I mentioned throughout the video and where to find his free plans. His model is the super deluxe model! Mine is just scrap wood made to improve on frames that were free moving in the tote.

Hi John, yes. I am still keeping bees in northern Wisconsin with a season that brought new experiences with each colony.

Hi Frederick, Thanks for the Shout-Out! The totes have worked well for overwinter storage. I have since moved the legs near the wheels to in between the wheels. The other end legs are closer to the plastic side. Both modifications allow for 10 frames in the tote. I share all that goes in the apiary as I am a northern climate Layens beekeeping channels in the hopes that others can identify the same types of situations and make a better decision of what to do in their apiary. Buzz Ya Later!

Lowe’s also sells a tote that is tall enough to accept a Layens frame. Dr. Leo has plans for a frame rack on his website. The tote and rack long enough to store 20 frames with room for extra storage over the wheels and on the sides. I was actually able to use the tote as a temporary hive. I had to do a cut out and did not have a hive ready to go. I wish I could share a photo or two here. It worked out wonderfully! I use an empty swarm trap when pulling frames for winter. Mine will fit seven at a time. These totes look great for storing a smaller number of frames!

It is nice to see more Layens content! Thank you!

@@_Trojo That is why I film everything that goes on in the apiary so that others can see what I do and work their solutions with their available resources.

@@_Trojo Thanks for providing a second source for these totes. I live in a region that only has Menards and Home Depot for in-store shopping. So shopping online through Lowe's did not enter my search engine. Thanks for sharing your experience using these totes.

Thanks for the suggestions. Dad and I tried to drill holes and decided it was not worth the effort. The drill bit was probably dull and it was taking some time to make the holes plus the back of the holes would need to be sanded since it was sharp. So we bought enough new discs with the larger diameter holes which were installed spring of 2023. They worked in the spring and are now set back to the same holes for winter for mouse guard protection. I could use the older style holes for swarm trap ventilation on the top disc. See my swarm trap series to see that configuration. Buzz Ya Later!

@@SuperAwesomeStamper I wonder where you bought the new discs that are the right size?

You are welcome! Hopefully my videos will help provide some guidance as you make your own decisions as they arise. Buzz ya later!

Underneath the grass clippings are brown cardboard and/or newspaper. The combination prevents the germination of the grass and weed seeds. The pine shavings are from the chicken coop. Both areas were previously wild and filled with goldenrod. This is the third year as wildflower and gourd garden.

Yes, not as many workers returning this early in the morning. Everyone stays in to keep the inside temp at a steady 95 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the brood (baby bees) nice and toasty.

Thanks for the compliment! This is an entrance gate disc sold by Dr. Leo at horizontalhive.com. The slots are suppose to be mouse guards but my girls and boys seemed to struggle with the slots as many others noted. Hence the market (aka Dr Leo) updated to include the circular holes instead. The smaller holes are for venting which I have never used. Could be useful when transporting a hive box with a colony inside to promote air flow on a hot day. The little notch is a finger grab to help turn the disc. Here is the link to discs on Dr. Leo's website and scroll down if the link goes to the shop and not the disc. HTH! horizontalhive.com/buy-hive-bees/swarm-trap-top-bar-sale.shtml#entrance-gate #drleo #horizontalhive

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley Thanks :-)

@@Kaczyfunny You are welcome!

Great Catch! It's been updated to the year 2023. Thanks!

Hi Amara! I have another video or 2 of the Queen piping. Look through the Playlists and Queen Piping would be in the video title. Wishing a fun beekeeping season!

Yes, very pretty! It was no joke although I wish it were the case. This is what my bees need to deal with for 5 ish months of the year.

Yes, did not want ant eggs stuck in the bee brush and nope, won't be using them as a protein source, lol.

I filmed a video last week and should be posting it this weekend. They are still clustered as the temps have not risen above freezing when taking into account the constant wind chill. So no bee poop on the snow to report ;)

Hello Stoked on Earth, Thank you for the compliment! This colony did a super job of building out frames and storing honey on all new equipment. Unfortunately, this colony did not make it and came from a package of California bees. A swarm colony was transferred to this box a few weeks later. I question whether this box has enough insulation for my USDA zone 4B because several colonies have not made it through our wind chills. Check out my videos from 2022 which show the bees from that year also did a super job of storing honey. The report for the 2023 winter is pending. Stay tuned for a short video on that!

Plans are available at Dr Leo's webite, HTH! horizontalhive.com/how-to-build/hive-frame-swarm-trap.shtml

Yes, if I can recall correctly, when I came back on Halloween, I moved the swarm trap colony to this hive box. That swarm trap colony died in the first cold snap.

Added links to where I made the purchase. In review of their website. It looks like they sell both pieces, extractor and motor as 1 item number, at a slighter reduced cost, would have been nice had they pointed that out and charged me the smaller amount.

This year's packages were suppose to be Buckfast, purchased from Roger's in Baraboo. There should be a full frame of honey on either side of the brood nest. Plus any brood frames left in the nest should have about 5 inches of honey at the top. I will be going into both hives this weekend to further reduce to 8-10 frames as the weather is favorable for another intrusion from the giant marshmallow (that's me).

@@beelogwithsuperbeeshirley thanks, I haven’t read about Buckfast will need to look them up. I’m leaning towards Russian but that will mean a four hour road trip one way. What is your overwintering success rate? 2 of the three with Langstraths I know haven’t had one survive winter and after 3 years had one survive last year.

@@pamrichardson8367 Went into December 2021 with 2 colonies. One made it to January 2022. The first colony perished in the first cold snap in December 2021. The second colony perished the same way in January 2022. The assessment videos are in the respective Playlists for each hive, Om Bee One and Gnome Sweet Gnome. 2021 was my first year with Layens. So having second year equipment that has a propolis envelope and drawn out frames should greatly help my existing colonies make it through the frozen, blizzardly tundra. Took a 3 season class with Langstroth equipment in 2021.