Early Spring Honey Harvest | Make Space for Main Nectar Flow

Рет қаралды 8,321

19 күн бұрын

Ready or not, here we go. We have seen a great nectar flow from the privet which can be so different from season to season. This season it was very heavy and it is not our main flow. Since I only have so many supers, I need to make space for when the main nectar flow from the tallow comes in very soon. The bees have filled quite a few frames and are beginning to fill their deeps, so I need to get some honey out of the comb and get the comb back on the hives. Come on a long and let's go strip some supers off.
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Пікірлер: 105

@jhulin9018 17 күн бұрын

Always love how real world your videos are. The reality is most folks don't have time to pick perfect times and techniques like a lot of videos or textbooks show. Most folks have to make things happen when they have time and do the best with what they have equipment for. Your videos help folks not beat themselves up ...You show folks to just do the best you can with what you have (time and equipment) and pray!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks so much!! It really is just that, to show an average guy trying to make it all work in a day to day VLog. I just try to keep it real and sometimes the challenges are good to see the way I figure. Thanks again!!

@Zeldasmojo 17 күн бұрын

I’m glad I’m not the only beekeeper who drops my tools and trips on my own equipment. Just kidding Mike! As always enjoyed your video.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Oh, if only is showed how many times I do that...LOL!!!

@rodneymiddleton9624 18 күн бұрын

After last year this is a welcome site!! Thanks Mike!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

You ain't kidding Rodney!

@taddrienstra7247 18 күн бұрын

Love it. Great to see them packin' it in hard!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks Tad! Glad to see a good flow so far!

@gregdunn6422 19 күн бұрын

He Mike, I'm doing the same. Bees packed my boxes with privit & clover. Gotta make room for the popcorn.

@user-cp2sx8gp2z 19 күн бұрын

Popcorn? I have acers of fieldcorn and cotton growing across the street. Besides the cotton what does corn provide besides the emergency pollen?

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Greg is referencing the nick name for the tallow tree. Folks down this way call it a popcorn tree.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

I still don’t have enough cleared, but after a few new supers with foundation, I think I’ve made what room I’m going to make.

@DonaldFarmHoney 18 күн бұрын

A honey house is on my wish list. We will be pulling some of our supers tomorrow. Great video again Mike.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks Donald! When you make it, go wide...that's all I can say, go wide....

@adamsoutdoors 19 күн бұрын

That is awesome to get that much when not really expecting it. I gave all of my singles another deep to draw some comb for me for splits. Gave them two weeks with and it was full and capped. Gotta love that. Great video, can’t wait to see what else you get this season.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Yes indeed, very happy with the start this season. Hope it continues and best wishes on your harvest as well!

@framcesmoore 18 күн бұрын

Ha Mike I am so glad u are getting a crop last year was a bad 1 for u. I enjoyed your video hope u have a blessed week.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks Frances. I'm grateful foe what we're seeing so far. Thanks for the support!

@edmartin875 13 күн бұрын

WOW, your back is in a lot better shape than mine is. More power to you. I never cared for a high stack of boxes. And I definitely didn't like the practice of the older days when some folks had to use a stepladder to get the top boxes. I like how you think. We were in the habit of leaving more honey on each hive than most. But then we didn't do much feeding either. Thanks for the video. I like how you talk us thru your chores. No one is left guessing that way.

@MikeBarryBees 12 күн бұрын

Well, I can’t say I wasn’t terribly sore for a few days😁. Thanks for the comment and for the support. Glad you enjoy the videos!

@jedsackett5255 19 күн бұрын

I'm glad I'm not the only person who forgets their spacer!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Every-time!!!

@brianbennett4374 19 күн бұрын

Enjoy watching you work 😊 thanks for sharing with us

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

My pleasure and thanks for the support!’

@SortOfaBeekeeper 11 күн бұрын

I somehow missed this video. This is exactly what I needed to see. Thanks, Mike for another great video! I need to try a blower to get the rest of the bees out of the super. Your bees are busy!❤

@MikeBarryBees 11 күн бұрын

Glad it helped you out. A little bench blower is ideal and easy to handle.

@windyridgeapiaries 19 күн бұрын

Wow. You are already harvesting honey, and our Dandelions are just starting to bloom... :-) Thanks Mike! -Jeff and Diane

@brendawydeven2934 19 күн бұрын

Me too in Wisconsin

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Still amazed at your season up there. When we did that video, it really had my gears turning and made me truly appreciate the challenges you all face.

@brucesbees 19 күн бұрын

We’re gonna do this tomorrow. Set em up this past weekend. Looking at somewhere around 56 boxes +/-

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

It’s going to be some long extracting days for y’all Bruce. Hope it went well!!

@researcherAmateur 18 күн бұрын

I too don't make skyscrapers. When I was young my father used to take me, a 4 frame manual extractor, some uncapping forks, 50 liter plastic barrels, some water and everything else needed to do it 30 yards away from the hives. After it I couldn't sleep at least two nights with the sound of bees in my head. We did everything right there with a cloud of bees on us. In shorts and tshirts with just a hat on in 30-35 Celsius. I think l'm the fastest fork uncapper in the world.😂 We had to do it on some yards because they were on some small islands 15-20 miles from home on rosemary or sage. Now over 3 decades later I still do it but I bring a couple of friends and a big tend made of net so bees can't enter and we have some much needed shade.. but the uncapping and hand cranking are still there. It's very dry here and some honeys get ready so fast it's difficult to keep up with it all. But now we have bigger modern boats with kitchens and good sleeping quarters TVs .. much easier than before. I like the video.. they need space and you provided it the way l do it here. I hope they need it many times

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Wow, cool story. I like to here the stories from the past. The experiences like that last a lifetime for sure. I'd love to get some footage of you guys extracting in the screen tent to share on here. Island hopping to different yards, and of course through some of the most beautiful waters in the world over your way.

@EfrataHoneyBees 19 күн бұрын

Basically that is my plan is to pull when Tulip Poplar, Blackberry & Black Locust are done in a little bit. I have the supers ready for the Sourwood. Very similar but different vegetation. Bee🐝 Blessed!!!!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Yep, same scenario, different flora. Good problems to have.

@dcsblessedbees 19 күн бұрын

You sound like you are having a better day this go around, glad things are turning so well for ya Mike.😁Blessed Days buddy👍

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks and definitely makes an easier day when things are going forward and not backwards.

@russellkoopman3004 19 күн бұрын

Mike, you were really pushing! That was a nice first pull of the year.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Yes, very happy with the harvest and pulled off another 15 gallons from the town yard. It’s busy between work and play, but I’m getting there.

@saintjohncoleman8602 19 күн бұрын

Here in SE coastal VA, we’ve got the same issue.. the blackberry, clover and privet are all going crazy at the same time, all the hives are full of nectar early, and I’ve had to double up on all the supers! 🎉 SO MUCH HONEY! praise the Lord for the bounty!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Good problem to have!

@SylantBill 19 күн бұрын

Getting ready to pull supers tomorrow. Gonna be a good year.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Good deal. So far the year is above average!

@salembeeman370 19 күн бұрын

Mike I find that if my fume board is not in direct sunlight it doesn't work great. I end up brushing a lot of bees off. Exciting times!

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

Yep, same here. When it’s really hot down here, the direct sunlight isn’t that big of a deal, but when it’s not that hot and I’m in the shade, I have to leave them on for a long time. Closer to the brood nest, harder to get them down when in the shade.

@brendawydeven2934 19 күн бұрын

I'm about ready to move back to Louisiana. Wisconsin season for honeybees is so short. 50 degrees yesterday and had hail.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Yes we have a long season for sure, but then again, the swarm season for Wisconsin is shorter and I would welcome that. I suppose we all have our own unique challenges. I like Wisconsin, and the entire region up that way. Such beautiful spring season.

@taylorboysoutdoors 17 күн бұрын

Won't bee long here, Buddy. Bee doing the same thing. Hope I can recruit some help

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

I didn't take on a mentee this year so I'll be recruiting too is the main flow is heavy. Have a great week Jody!!

@timmorris7022 19 күн бұрын

That my friend is a beautiful sight.After last years freeze flow it is well deserved.Flow is good in Ky too.Thanks always for posting Mike!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks Tim, I agree. I was very happy to see it and soon we'll see if the tallow makes it in good or not. Glad you guys are having a good flow too!!

@tommychew6544 19 күн бұрын

Great video Mike! What a change from last year to this year, I could feel your back pain from lifting those heavy supers it seemed. Can't wait to see how the Tallow flow turns out.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks Tommy! I was sore for a day afterward😂😂. This season is definitely a turnaround so far. Hope the tallow comes in good. Time will tell.

@esauer1014 19 күн бұрын

You are in deep now!!! Take care of yourself though all of this!!!!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks, I’m trying!!

@russellaymond312 19 күн бұрын

Thank you Mike ,great video.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Thanks Russell!

@nancynolton6079 18 күн бұрын

Filled and capped frames don't hold any more honey! I too pull off what is capped and not waiting until whole box is completely capped. Keep giving them space - yeah a little of a pain but makes more honey!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Yep, can't put honey where there is no space. I've about got as much as I can for now. Hope it's enough.

@CastleHives 19 күн бұрын

You are busy Mike. This season is shaping up to be one of the better seasons for a lot of folks. Hey, you never said anything about those pallets. LOL

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

Yea Brian, I don’t come inside in the evenings until dark these days. Pulled more honey Thursday after work, spun it that night, cleaned up and then after work Friday put them back on, only to then come home from that out yard, and cut 5 acres of grass and then load my truck and trailer for a removal with Mr. Ed Saturday morning, this morning, at 6am. Just sat down. What pallets????

@jackwaau 18 күн бұрын

I've seen people rotate a 20 deg crack with the fume board. I think it is to promote circulation. It might be worth trying.

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

I leave a gap. Not quite 20 degrees though. I rotate it enough to make a half inch crack on two sides. It definitely makes a difference and allows the air to pull thru. Thanks for watching and for the comment!!

@jackwaau 17 күн бұрын

@@MikeBarryBees sorry, I should have put my glasses on :)

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

@@jackwaau I don’t know that you could’ve seen it in the video. I appreciate when folks share tips like that. I didn’t say it in this video and when someone reads the comments, they see your tip. We all help each other.

@redfish440 19 күн бұрын

Thanks Mike !

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

My pleasure and Thank you.

@BucketListBees 19 күн бұрын

Mike , where did you get the handy dandy blower??? Your killing my sweet tooth !!! Lol…

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

It’s a little bench/shop blower by Ryobi. You can pick them up anywhere they sell Ryobi. Crazy as it sounds, it’s way more powerful for the supers than the bigger blower I have and super easy to handle in the bee yard.

@HaasBuzzHomestead9909 16 күн бұрын

👍

@user-cp2sx8gp2z 19 күн бұрын

Hi from Texas. Never enough boxes.

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Hey there and yes, always the issue seems like😁😁

@KayiFarmJaHoneyBees 19 күн бұрын

the white beauties!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Hope all is well down your way!! Thanks for watching and checking in!!

@jonclemons1421 19 күн бұрын

Wow! Nice early harvest. I've got colonies that are refusing to move into the supers. Got any tips? Others are filling up nicely. I missed something maybe?

@ArneTW 18 күн бұрын

Spray the frame with sugarwater to lure them up...

@jonclemons1421 18 күн бұрын

@@ArneTWthanks for the hint. I'd forgotten about doing that. I did that today. Fingers crossed!

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Jon, I see that every year in March going into April and it’s frustrating. I believe it to be the flow being big enough to stack some nectar, but not big enough to build a surplus. They will keep it close around the nest as it comes in, but then when it picks up and gets heavier than they need, the hoarding begins and they then move it up and over the nest. I’ve used sugar water and other ideas, but in the end, the flow needs to be heavy. I like to seed frames in the empty super from frames I’ve saved or from other hives if possible. Most time I don’t have any, so I just have to keep checking and preventing swarming and wait for the flow to hit harder.

@josephrawls 18 күн бұрын

My plan today was to pull more but you know how it goes with me.................

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Ahhh, the retired life...LOL!

@michaelshelnutt3534 19 күн бұрын

How do you like that little Ryobi blower? I have the big one and it’s too strong for blowing bees.

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

It’s perfect size for the bee blowing Michael. I like it a lot.

@kh7794 19 күн бұрын

A hydraulic box lifter on your tractor would be perfect.

@illumi-Nate 19 күн бұрын

Or a younger energetic helper, but that's slim pickins these days

@user-cp2sx8gp2z 19 күн бұрын

Try lining up a tractor exact every time.

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

Yea, it sure would. Anything to help. When I have time, I will use my hive lifter, but it does slow me down. I have a tractor coming soon from family that has a front end loader on it and it would be nice to build an adapter to lift boxes.

@adrianforrester325 19 күн бұрын

if you dont use queen excluders its a no brainer why shes up there jmho .love the videos aswell mike

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

Well, that's really not a no-brainer because a good queen has no business up there in the honey. They don't regularly go if there is a crown of hone over the brood and into the honey super where there is no brood. Not to mention there is a fume board on and 99% of the bees left. So it's very, very uncommon for her to be up there. Glad you like the channel and thanks for the support!!

@dominicanbeekeeper6686 19 күн бұрын

Have you ever done honey bandit with excluders on?

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Only on the hives that I run excluders on. I use excluders randomly, because early supers are hard to get the bees to go into when the flow is kind of light and I hate hindering them. Some singles have excluders and those I just blow out regularly.

@dominicanbeekeeper6686 16 күн бұрын

@@MikeBarryBees thanks for taking the time out to reply, this is my first season that I'm going to use honey bandit and I run excluders so I was not sure if I could use it with the excluders on

@jimmylott9677 5 күн бұрын

HOW LOW CAN YOU GET THE MOISTURE LEVEL IN HONEY 😮

@MikeBarryBees 5 күн бұрын

I’ve always heard lower than 14% is too low. Have not followed up on that, just what I’ve heard. I can get mine to 15 to 17 percent.

@jimmylott9677 19 күн бұрын

HOW DO YOU DRY YOUR HONEY, HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

It can be as long as you need it depending in the type honey and where it starts. For tallow, I'll dry it two to three days. This honey dried overnight and the uncapped was very dry. I use box fans and a dehumidifier. I'll show it in the next video.

@DewBee1 7 күн бұрын

What kind of extractor u using ??

@MikeBarryBees 6 күн бұрын

HillCo 18 Farme UltraMax

@DewBee1 6 күн бұрын

@@MikeBarryBees nice I just ordered a 9 frame Hillco my 2nd from them! Great customer service! You produce Great videos me and my wife love watching them! Have a great day!

@MikeBarryBees 6 күн бұрын

@@DewBee1 thanks for the support of the channel. Glad y’all enjoy the videos. You’ll love that extractor.

@kathyhathaway8823 19 күн бұрын

I think you an I are in the same boat but I have every super on my colony that I own . I have been working the last two days washing buckets an getting my old honey house ready to pull part of the supers an extract an put back on while I pull all the others . I have been working on my new honey house for close to a year an it is NOT READY TO USE yet so I am in a pickle . Our privet started blooming an then the rain started an with the rain an high wind I think a lot of the blooms are coming off from the storms . You were talking about your clover an I have it everywhere an I have never saw a lot of bees on it . I guess there is a lot of other stuff out there that they like better . Thanks Mike an it was a enjoyable trip around your bee yard . Thanks

@MikeBarryBees 16 күн бұрын

Well, I suppose we have some good problems. It took me four years to get what started out as climate controlled storage finally finished all the way. I just did it a little at a time. Now it's too small of course, but I like it. Hope they fill every one of your supers!!

@ummagowa 17 күн бұрын

What is fuming?

@MikeBarryBees 17 күн бұрын

It is a process that runs the bees out of the supers. I use a good grade and natural spray that has almond extract in it. Smells like a wedding cake. I spray it on the felt lined board and the bees are repelled out of the honey box by the fumes and they go down and out of it. I use a small blower to blow the remaining bees out and then I take the box into rhetorical honey house without trapping any bees in it. It’s easy and doesn’t harm the bees. Thanks for the question and for watching!!