Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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VSS
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bee inspectorsWe has a friendly visit yesterday from our local ministry bee inspector, who we know quite well. He brought with him his boss, who is based in Bridgend.
Apparently they are working on a project looking at encouraging varroa resistance in bees and our local chappie, knowing what sloppy beekeepers we are and also knowing that our bees have had no varroa treatment for about the last 5 years, wanted to show him our hive.
They were both highly impressed with the vigour of our colony - a fluke really as we only do anything with them when we need more honey. They were very complimentary, there were loads of bees and lots of healthy brood. and not a single varroa mite anywhere.
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goosey
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That's very good news indeed that your bees are so healthy.
Do you have any thoughts on why that might be?
Where you live, are there large areas of arable agro-industry? If not, perhaps the absence of crop spraying, plus less stress, because you let them live naturally, and also if they are local, and evolved to live in that location, all helps.
Did the inspector say you had to change anything, or carry on the same?
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Chez
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Was that John Verran? They're highly informative chaps.
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Ginkotree
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Congratulations on having a happy healthy hive.  you have already been asked lots of questions that I too would like to know the answers to.
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VSS
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I don't really know why they are so healthy - Luck? The original bees in that colony came from a farm which had a view of Snowdon's backside, so they were probably already quite tough in terms of climate and location. They have always been extremely busy, and were also vicious! Their temperament has improved alot though - I guess they must have naturally requeened.
In terms of what we do with them, well the answer is nothing really. There is a wide range of naturally occurring food plants within flight distance and over a long part of the year too. The only time we ever feed them is if we have extracted and even then, usually giving them the empty frames back has provided them with enough. We only extract when we need honey, usualy every other year, sometimes longer. Perhaps the fact that for long periods they live on their ownhome made grub makes them more vigourous than if feed on sugar syrup? We all kow that home made is best!
They do fly pretty much all year round even in the depths of winter, so long as it isn't too wet.
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Ginkotree
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Yes, I was wondering about the bees themselves,we are all marvelling about how good the honey is for us.....what about them, you seem to take less honey than others I have heard of and could be the answer to thier good health...it makes so much sense
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RichardW
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Sounds similar to a TBH, hands off, low production approach.
Richard
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