tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347024209749983628.post6147744702206136470..comments2024-01-27T02:01:24.039-05:00Comments on Happy Hour at the Top Bar: New Packages!Julie Dhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09965401314478095790noreply@blogger.comBlogger3125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347024209749983628.post-15507734816497511152015-05-13T14:57:38.464-04:002015-05-13T14:57:38.464-04:00Hi Julie, congratulations on your new lodgers. Bes...Hi Julie, congratulations on your new lodgers. Best of luck with getting them settled and I hope they can afford to pay you some rent this year.Anonymoushttps://www.blogger.com/profile/01286928263742755956noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347024209749983628.post-64148955527023567992015-05-12T20:06:37.011-04:002015-05-12T20:06:37.011-04:00Thanks! I think I have cute little munchkins, too ...Thanks! I think I have cute little munchkins, too (most of the time, anyway), even if they do have a habit of absconding when there's work to do.<br /><br />This is the 2nd time I've dropped the queen cage (happened last year, too). I would have preferred being able to fish the cage out of the box because I worry that I'll hurt the queen by jostling her around. I just had trouble finding it, though, with all the comb and pile of bees over it. It worked out ok last year, though, and I'm hoping all will be well this time around, too.<br /><br />Will let you know how the direct release goes, but so far so good. At least all the bees are still there tonight! lol!Julie Dhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09965401314478095790noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1347024209749983628.post-71825329131726716792015-05-12T15:05:10.003-04:002015-05-12T15:05:10.003-04:00I'm so glad your packages arrived safely with ...I'm so glad your packages arrived safely with very few dead bees on the bottom! Love your helpers and their bee suites - my wife said "they're such cute little munchkins!" Dropping the queen cage into the package is one of my fears, but now I know what to do. They must have been traveling a while to build up that much comb. Mine had one little comb this year and I used it to rub on the new top bars. I'll have to make a bar like you have for those emergencies. I've used the hair clip method, but the hardware cloth seems easier for a quick fix.<br /><br />I've never been brave enough to do the direct release method like Michael Bush suggests, but maybe I'll give that a try if I have to do a package in the future. I think they'll stay put (unlike your absconding helpers) - they have some comb and old hives so they should feel right at home. Looking forward to hearing about their growth over the season. Donhttp://www.buddhaandthebees.netnoreply@blogger.com