THE APIARY.

New Zealand Journal of Agriculture, Volume XV, Issue 2, 20 August 1917, Page 106

THE APIARY.

E. A. Earp,

Apiary Instructor

BREEDING.

With the advent of September colonies in a normal' condition should have a ■ good quantity of sealed brood. . If, . however, the absence of brood is noted the indications point to a poor queen or that the hive is queenless. To attempt to carry such colonies through the spring months will lead to serious trouble, as they stand in,danger of getting robbed out. _• It is a far better plan to unite such colonies than run the risk of disturbing the'whole apiary. A simple method of disposing of weak and queenless hives is to unite them with strong ones, and this may be carried out by placing. a sheet of newspaper over a strong colony and putting the hive to be united on the top of the paper. In the course of a day or two the hive may be examined to see that the colonies have united. Should the paper be intact it must be torn in several places, when it will be found in the course of a few days that the colonies are working peaceably. It is essential that breeding should be kept steadily going, so that the colonies will be strong' in young bees to take advantage of the first flow of nectar. Food and warmth are important factors in inducing breeding, and these must have the constant attention of the beekeeper during the spring months.

FOOD-SUPPLY.

The spring is the most critical period of the year for the beekeeper, and the success or otherwise of the season's work will depend almost entirely upon his efforts to guard against the losses attendant upon starvation. Large losses occur annually through neglect in this

direction. When breeding is in full swing a considerable amount of food is used up daily for feeding the brood, and, unless the weather conditions are favourable to enable the bees to work the early spring blossoms, it is essential. that the food-supply be augmented. The amount of nectar gathered when the weather is favourable in conjunction with their stores will tide the bees over long periods, but if bad weather follows, colonies will often be reduced to a state of starvation before the owner is aware of their condition. If on examination a colony is found with insufficient stores to meet requirements preparation should be made to feed at once. It is not a safe policy to keep a colony at starvation-point, as this will. prevent the rearing of a succession of young bees to take the place of the rapidly dwindling number of workers at this period. . . There are many feeders on the market which can be utilized for the purpose of supplying food. The division-board feeder is the best to use at this season, as it will serve the double purpose of feeder and division-board in cases where the colony is not - strong ' enough to occupy all the frames in the hive. When making an examination of a hive to note its condition the feeder should be placed in the hive in readiness if it is anticipated that- artificial feeding will have to be resorted to at a later period. All feeding should be carried on within the hives. Especially guard against feeding at the entrances, as that source will surely produce trouble. Place the feeder on the warm side, of the hive, and in cases where the clusters are small the feeder can be inserted in position next to the cluster. ■

A point to remember in connection with feeding is that it creates an artificial flow and is stimulating, and, when started, it must be carried on until a natural flow from the fields sets in. If there is a suspicion of disease in the apiary, do not attempt to feed honey. In any case it is not wise to use honey taken from another hive, as it is impossible to be sure of its source. Feed only the best white sugar? .It is a good plan to feed in the evening,' as the discovery of the syrup excites the bees, and the colony has time to settle down before the morning, and there is less likelihood of the other colonies learning the cause .of the excitement. A syrup composed of 2 parts of water to 1 of sugar, fed slightly warm, will prove the best artificial food for bees in the spring.

OVERHAULING THE HIVES.

Advantage may be taken of the mild spring days to subject the hives to a thorough overhaul. Where necessary, each hive should be given a good coat of paint. The bottom-board should be cleansed by removing the cappings, dead bees, and pollen, which matter, if left, becomes very objectionable and acts as a . harbour for insects. In districts where the bees bring in quantities of propolis it is advisable to remove this also, as it prevents to some extent a rapid manipulation of the frames. . In the spring the propolis is brittle and can be readily, removed. The operation of cleaning the bottom-board can be facilitated by providing a spare bottom-board. . Lift the hive on to the spare board, scrape the dirty one thoroughly, and replace the hive. All weeds and long grass must be cleaned from the hives they act as a harbour for insects, and keep the bottom-boards damp, besides, preventing the bees from flying freely to and from the hives; '

ROBBING.

Every precaution must be taken to prevent robbing getting a start in the apiary. Robbing may be caused by exposing combs too long when manipulating the hives, by careless feeding, and by the presence of weak and queenless colonies. These latter should not be tolerated, and the other causes can be obviated by care and attention. On no account should combs be exposed for long intervals, and if feeding has to be undertaken it should be deferred until late in the day. The excitement caused by feeding attracts others, and once they have tasted of the forbidden sweets they will continue to molest the hives for many days. As soon as robbing is detected it is by far the best plan to postpone all operations in the apiary, and the entrances to the hives should be contracted at once. If a colony is in danger of being robbed it may be saved by piling wet grass in front of the entrance. Robbers are less likely to enter a hive so protected. Very little trouble, however, will be experienced by robbing if it is not allowed to get a start; prevention is the best plan in all cases. On no account spill syrup near the hives ; do not leave combs lying about ; and try and avoid weak and queenless colonies. One will then not be troubled with robbing.

DISEASE.

At each examination a strict watch must be kept for symptoms of disease. If it is present, do not fail to mark colonies for treatment. Mild cases can be treated at a later period in the season, but if a colony is badly affected it is by far the safest plan to sulphur the bees and remove the combs to a place of safety. These combs can be converted into wax when a sufficient number warrant the undertaking. If isolated capped cells are discovered, these should be treated as suspicious. Healthy brood-cells are convex in form, bright in appearance, and in contrast differ greatly from diseased cells. These latter are slightly darker, concave in form, and are frequently perforated. Diseased cells of last season’s production are usually so shrunken in appearance as to be easily detected, whether they are in isolated positions or surrounded by healthy brood.