Various methods are used to organize an apiary or expand it, one of which is the acquisition of bee packages. This concept should not be confused with the bee colony. There are several types of bee packages, they need to be kept and transported correctly. The transfer of bees from the bee package to the hive is organized according to a certain algorithm.
What is a bee package?
Each package contains a certain number of individuals selected from special bee colonies for subsequent sale. To create them, they take combs, food and the required number of insects from families, placing them in a specially prepared box.
Packages are created to order. They are bought not only by beginners in beekeeping, but also by beekeepers with extensive experience. The buyer has the right to view in advance the bee colonies from which the package will be formed.
Difference from bee colonies
The bee package is a kind of family, but still differs from the standard bee colony. Usually, young intrahive individuals are used to create it, and flying insects are rarely selected. Each bee package contains a fertile female. Mandatory its usefulness and age 1-2 years.
One of the differences in a bee package is that they are formed and sold only in the spring, when bee colonies are available at any time. A bee package is only a part of one or several families formed in a season, and a bee colony is insects that have survived at least one winter (naturally, the composition changes, but the general characteristics remain).
Bee Pack Content
Bee packages are transported in special boxes-hives. For their manufacture, plywood or chipboard is more often used, less often corrugated cardboard. One bag can contain 1.2-1.5 kg of insects, 3 kg of feed and printed brood (2 large frames).
If a bee package is selected from several families, then it is called a prefabricated one. For its creation, brood of different ages is used - most of it must be closed.
When forming a non-assembled bee package, one bee family is divided into several layers. One layering - one bee packet. This option is appropriate if the bee colony is quite strong. The bee package is usually delivered at the end of April or the beginning of May after the bee colonies gain full strength and form a large brood.
After transplanting insects from bee packages, a critical period begins, which usually lasts up to 2-3 weeks. This is due to the ratio of young and adult individuals. Losses are observed during the formation of bee larvae, a quiet change of the queen is possible. Strengthening the hive with mature printed brood will help to avoid this. It is better to do this 2 weeks after the bee packet transplant.
The productivity of the transplanted bee package will depend on the timing of the start of the main honey collection. The later it starts, the more insects will have time to build up.
Watch a video with recommendations for novice beekeepers purchasing bee packages:
Types of bee packages
A bee package can be cellular or cellular - the quality in both cases must meet GOST. The most popular is the first option, which is also called the framework.
To form cellular package use the standard Dadant-Blatt framework. There can be 4-6 of them. A classic option is a complete set of frames with brood and feed 3 + 1. An option is also possible with the same number of frames with brood and feed - the buyer himself chooses the appropriate ratio. The amount of feed should be related to the distance the bag is transported and the duration of transport.
Cell-free bee package also called frameless. The fetal uterus is placed in a cage, there is a feeder (candy or sugar syrup), a drinker and the bees themselves. This package can be used for any hive. Beekeepers note that the risk of disease is lower in cell-free bags.
In addition to the two main varieties of bee packages, the breed of insects should be taken into account. To create a package, use such breeds of bees:
- Krajinskaya breed (Karnika): medium size, suitable for various households, slightly susceptible to diseases, resistant to cold (adaptable well);
- Carpathian breed (Karpatka): they start collecting earlier, there is less sugar in the nectar, high productivity, low aggressiveness, rapid build-up of strength;
- Backfast: preferable rainy climate, cold intolerance, good adaptation, low susceptibility to disease.
Transfer of bees from bee packages to the hive
After purchasing the bee package and delivering it to the apiary, they begin to transplant insects into the hive. It is being prepared in advance. A new house for insects should be clean, disinfected, dried.
A drinking bowl with water and a frame with dry and foundation are prepared in advance. Upon arrival, the insects are fed - sugar syrup. It is imperative to inspect the bee package, as there is a risk of disease, although the sellers present veterinary documents.
The nuances of transplanting bees into a hive are associated with the types of bee packages. If the package is cellular, then you need to act according to the following algorithm:
- Choose the right time for the transplant. On cool days, you can carry out all the manipulations at any time, but in hot weather it is better to wait in the evening. Do not disturb the bees once again.
- The bee package must be placed in front of the hive, with the entrances directed to one side.
- Open a batch fly-over.
- Transfer the frames to the hive - the order should be the same as in the bee package.
- If bees remain at the bottom of the bag, they are swept into frames. The package is removed.
- The uterus is usually contained in a cage; there is no need to release it yet. First, the rest of the insects must calm down.
- The fly-over can be skipped, but this is done in exceptional situations. In this case, place a bag behind the hive, which opens in advance. Letok need to be narrowed down to 2-3 individuals. After that, quickly move the frames - the order of placement is strictly observed. This option is risky for bees wandering around the apiary.
Acquisition cell-free bee package means the need for self-harvesting honeycombs. Each package requires 4 Dadant frames (standard). Usually it is 2 feed frames and 1-2 frames with honey and dry land - this option is attractive for the beginning of the ovipositor.
Before the bees disembark, the infinite packet is left in the cool - it is much easier to work with insects that have gotten into a ball. If the uterus is in a cage, then first you need to move it to the hive, but do not open it. Shake other individuals into a hive or put a package with insects in it - this option is appropriate for a multi-case design.
The hole in the uterine cell with the uterus is sealed with a wax, be sure to make a small hole in it. The bees will release the queen themselves.
Transportation features
When transporting a bee package, certain precautions are necessary so as not to damage insects. They must be transported taking into account the following factors:
- Sustainability of the design. The case is more stable if it is fully equipped with frames. Otherwise, they need to be fixed so as not to harm the insects. It is also important to strengthen the bee packages in the transport used for transportation. The hive must not wobble.
- Competent organization of ventilation. During transportation, it is needed to maintain optimal temperature conditions in the family. Ventilation should be arranged so that insects cannot escape from the hive.
- Optimum temperature conditions. In the hive, it is maintained not only by ventilation, but also by environmental conditions. Extreme heat or cold should be avoided. On hot days for transportation it is necessary to choose the optimal hours, preferably in the evening, since the bee package must be transplanted into the hive at this time.
- Calmness. Bee packages should be transported carefully, avoiding strong shaking. Choose a smoother road if possible. It is important to move at a moderate speed.
- Providing insects with food and water. Such a measure is needed for long-term transportation.
- Flyby. This measure is necessary for bees if transportation takes several days (from 2-3).
Bee packages are one of the methods for forming an apiary or expanding it. They resort to this method only in the spring. Bee packages are formed in different ways and come in two main types: cellular and cell-free. The peculiarities of its transplantation into the hive depend on the type of package.