[LtlWilli]

Right at dark ( wouldn't you know it ), my wife came to me this evening, saying that we had a swarm out on a post. It was slightly bigger than a softball, and very easy to handle, and work into a beginner's hive.
Some things make me wary---It is late for any sized swarm, especially a small one.
AFB hives have been found in counties to the west and south of us, and are known to travel in small swarms.
I'm going out there tomorrow with hopes for the best, but I'll have my thermo-nuclear bug spray in my back pocket. :roll:

 

[Charles]

Hey Rick, howd this turn out?

 

[LtlWilli]

...I just came in from the hive, and was going to add to this---strange coincidence, huh?...They are still docile, but there doesn't seem to be near as many there. Of course, I must guess that a proportion of them would be out foraging. Inside the hive was only about 75--100. I saw the queen and she looked fine...I did not see any comb building, though.That worries me. ...So I arranged an inside top cover feeder with a few small holes in it for light and ventilation. That might keep more foragers home, and they can be impressed into comb building.
Anything you think of that I can do more or less of, please let me know.
Thanks,
Rick

 

[LtlWilli]

I got it!..I'll just haul two honey frames over from a strong hive, and add a couple of frames of brood, and that ought to get them back up and running.

 

[Charles]

Nice one!

 

[LtlWilli]

Im out of luck this time. A robber hoard came thru yesterday, and she and the swarm succombed to the attack...They were met and stopped by a large MN Hygenic hive nearby...To see who all was involved in the attack, I was considering having a lineup, but that would take waaayyy too much time.. :mrgreen: :mrgreen:

 

[Charles]

People would prolly pay to see ya try though