We are David and Sheri Burns from Long Lane Honey Bee Farms and Honeybeesonline.com. Our 2017 class schedule is online now. The two classes that sell out the fastest are the Beekeeping Institute and How To Raise Queens. So if you are interested in making it to these classes, sign up now to reserve your spots.
Check out all of our classes for 2017 at:
Speaking of classes, we are offering one more class this Saturday here on the bee farm in our training center. "Show Me The Honey."
Sheri will be teaching this class addressing all aspects of honey such as how bees make honey, how to cook with honey, how to extract and bottle honey, the medicinal value of honey and much more. Here's the online link: http://www.honeybeesonline.com/show-me-the-honey-all-you-ever-wanted-to-know-about-honey-workshop/
If you are wondering what to get that special someone for Christmas, maybe a beehive kit along with a class. Only 61 days to buy that perfect gift! Why not really surprise them with a hobby that's fun and good for the environment. Visit our website at: www.honeybeesonline.com
Some form of a candy board has been around for a long time. Beekeepers of long ago placed candy in their hives to provide enough food for their bees to survive the long months of winter. There are various mixtures and receipts for candy boards. Some are made with soft candy and some with hard candy. The end result is still the same. The bees will consume the sugar as they need it.
We've always been concerned about the amount of condensation that can develop in the hive during the winter. The bees produce heat within their hive and as the temperature is very cold outside the hive condensation will develop on the warm side just above the bees on the inner cover or top cover. This condensation can accumulate and drop down onto the winter cluster of bees below. Bees can stay warm in the winter but they must remain dry. If this cold water drips down onto the bees it can reduce their ability to keep their cluster warm. The insulation on our Winter-Bee-Kind helps reduce the excessive moisture and even puts some of that moisture to work as it accumulates on the candy and makes it easy for the bees to consume the sugar. Thus, a Winter-Bee-Kind can help lessen two winter stresses, the lack of food and excessive moisture. We've also found that in upper vent allows bees to take cleansing (potty breaks) flights in lower temperatures.
We make our Winter-Bee-Kinds with sugar and a healthy amount of pollen powder. Many beekeepers make the mistake of only feeding their bees sugar in the winter, but the bees also need protein which they obtain from pollen. Our Winter-Bee-Kinds come with pollen mixed in with the sugar. We recommend that you place candy boards on your hive by December 22 (Winter Solstice). But anytime during the fall or winter is fine. Even if your bees run out of honey in February put a Winter-Bee-Kind on in February if you have too.
To watch my video on the Winter-Bee-Kind Winter Feeding Board or to read some Commonly Asked Questions Click Here.
What If You Could Call, Email Or Text A Certified Master Beekeeper To Help You With Your Hive?
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Knowing what to do and when is the tricky part of beekeeping. Let me be your mentor. I have a special mentorship program called BeeTeam6 where you can call, email or text me concerns or questions they are having about your bees. Plus you receive a weekly tip and a weekly instructional beekeeping video. Even if you are not keeping bees until spring, this is perfect to help you gain the education you need before your bees arrive. I'll be sharing spring management tips during the winter to get you ready for spring.
Give us a call today. We open at 10:00 a.m. and close at 4pm.
217-427-2678
David and Sheri Burns
Long Lane Honey Bee Farms
www.honeybeesonline.com
www.honeybeesonline.com