Keeping Records
It
is a good idea to keep records as memories aren't as
good as we'd like them to be! Especially if you're
tracking for a period of years. A sheet of paper
tacked to the underside of the outer cover is a good
place to keep records. Also, a hive diary can be
kept and filled out each time the hives are worked.
Referring to the diary before going to the apiary
will assist in remembering any needed supplies or
equipment.
The
information on each hive kept will vary with the
beekeeper. Some general areas would be:
-
Has the colony sufficient room? Number of frames
of sealed brood, number of frames covered by
adult bees.
-
Hive characteristics: gentle, aggressive,
productive, etc.
-
Is
the Queen present and laying the expected
quantity of eggs? Is the brood pattern tight and
even?
-
In
early season, is the colony building up in size
as fast as other colonies in the apiary?
-
Mid season, are there any Queen cells present in
the colony? Swarming record (how often, what
time of year).
-
Effects of last manipulation and time elapsed.
-
Are there any signs of disease or abnormality?
-
Are there enough stores to last until the next
inspection?
-
Medication schedule (type, when, for what
reason).
-
How much honey was obtained.
-
Wintering ability and stores.
-
Requeening, year and date.
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