Big Rock's Bee Farm

BUZZ BUZZ! That's right its almost May! It might not seem like it with this unusual weather. However with May coming, Big Rock's Bee Farm will be starting over with two more new hives! Does anyone have any name recommendations for our two new hives?

With this wet and windy winter, we are sad to report that we believe that all five of our hives did not make the winter. The cold does not kill bees. Honey bees in the winter can keep the Queen Bee to a temperature of 85 to 95 degrees F by "shivering" and rotating in the hive. Moisture kills bee and with this winter there is no doubt in my mind with this constant freeze thaw that this is what got them all. We are looking to make improvements to our property by adding a roof to shelter the hives and are also looking into a shrink wrap product. Also, we are looking forward to getting two or three nucs this spring.

The buzz: Happy 4th of July everybuggy! Today the honeybees are celebrating the 4th by collecting pollen and nectar from lavender and other summer blooming flowers! So from our bees to your family, happy holidays!

The Buzz: I am so pleased and proud to announce that my first queen transferring went extremely well and that we now have a queen in Bridgett! Unfortunately, I was a little late removing the queen cage and the bees started building comb off of the queen cage. It then got connected to the inner cover. It was a mess but I luckily got it under control. The Unfortunate part was that I had to sacrifice some of the new queens fresh eggs! I'm so upset and feel really bad. However, e...veryone else is doing great! Eleanor received another super! After filling up that super with honey she will be good for the winter. Elizabeth is working on her fifth super. Anastasia on the other hand we believe we may need to replace the queen. Only because her hive seems a little lazy! She is producing Brood but still only has two supers! Time to get another queen! Anyway I think tonight was a huge success! Can't wait to see what else these girls have to offer! -Renae Kakabar See more

The Buzz: Today is a beautiful day for the bees! They are probably very busy running in and out of their hives! I'm positive that they are coming in with tons of saddle bags (Pollen) today! Did you know that the oldest Honey Bees in the hive go out and collect the pollen? Younger bees have the task of caring for the brood (Baby Bees) and taking care of the queen! Makes sense right? Right now I believe they are collecting blackberry pollen and we have tons of blackberry plants up here on Big Rock's Bee Farm! Anyone interested in picking some this fall? Let us know!