A Small Open Colony (290)
About this episode
Jim Tew explores a small exposed honey bee colony and discusses its survival challenges with guest Sherry.
Sometimes honey bees choose unusual places to live. In this episode of Honey Bee Obscura, Jim Tew visits the property of longtime bee lab colleague Sherry to examine a remarkably small colony that has established itself completely exposed on a fallen tree branch near a blueberry and elderberry planting. The colony consists of only a few combs suspended in the open, just inches above the ground, with no cavity protection and little chance of surviving winter without intervention. Jim and Sherry discuss how small swarms occasionally abandon their search for a suitable nesting cavity, why this colony may have settled where it did, and what would be required to transfer the bees into conventional equipment. They review traditional cut-out methods, comb transfer techniques, feeding requirements, and the challenges of helping an exposed colony survive. Along the way, Jim explores concepts such as swarm behavior, scout bee decision-making, nest site selection, and stigmergy while considering whether this tiny colony can be given a second chance. Will the bees remain where they are, or will they eventually be moved into a nucleus hive? Jim and Sherry share their observations and discuss…
Sponsors
Betterbee
More episodes of Honey Bee Obscura Podcast
- Archive Special: Removing Honey (292)
- Plain Talk: Hot Bees, Ants and Weeds (291)
- Plain Talk: Hot Bees (289)
- Archive Special: Working Bees in the Heat (288)
- Plain Talk: Tall Grass In The Bee Yard (287)
- Plain Talk: Five Nice Hives (286)
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Honey Bee Obscura Podcast podcast page.