Thread: Help save European bees

Some more on bees, Bob




“The word “canola” was coined from the phrase “Canadian Oil, low acid”—a plant developed from rapeseed (Brassica spp.)
with low levels of erucic acid that is suitable for human consumption. Rapeseed is a species closely related to vegetables

such as turnips, collards, mustard, and cabbages

Rapeseed is a good crop for honey bees, offering both nectar and pollen in early spring. Huge acreages of it are planted in

Canada (Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan) and in North Dakota and Minnesota. The nectar flows are heavy and yield

huge crops of light-colored, mild-flavored honey.

However, rapeseed honey—commonly called canola honey—crystallizes so quickly that it is a problem for

beekeepers. It will crystallize in the comb while still in the field. Many beekeepers go through their hives and pull out the
combs of canola honey as soon as it is capped. After collecting, it should be extracted within 24 hours and market

immediately. Extracted canola may last 3 to 4 weeks before it crystallizes in the jar.”


The full article at The trouble with canola honey | Honey Bee Suite

Originally Posted by bob10

One of the professional keepers is getting a " nuec" [ nucleus] together for me, I have just to put together a brood box to fit it in. To explain, the nuec consists of a Queen, & some bees, probably about 4 frames. This is the best way to learn, I could get a fully made up brood box, but with the neuc I have to be hands on to develop the brood box myself. Only way to learn, and in the association, first time bee keepers get the neuc free. I have been going to the pros home, with others, for a few months now, getting hands on , and the last time we introduced the Queens to the neuc's. We were also shown how Queens are produced. Fascinating stuff, so much to learn. Really enjoying it, Bob

It does sound like a very interesting pastime mate,Good on you for getting it all going.

Originally Posted by Chucaro

The Butcher birds will be ok, they are not specialists like the rainbow ones and also they are not in groups of 20 or more.
Which kind of flowers are in reach to your hive?
I love the clover and orange tree flower honey, the iron bark it is a bit strong to my taste.

We have the Brighton wetlands at our back door, Paperbark ,Scribbly gum, Box, White Stringybark, are some of the trees there, whilst I have Macadamia, Mango, Peach, Orange, Mandarin, Lemon, Lime, Guava , red Pawpaw, plus vegetables in season [ mainly tomatoes, I make pasta sauce ]
Next door has a Brazilian cherry tree, which is absolutely buzzing with bees ATM, [ not mine, yet] A smorgasboard for bees. Also, because we have no neighbours behind us, I can place the hive in such a way that bees don't overfly any one else's property. I've already sweetened the next door neighbours by promises of honey, they don't mind my tomatoes, very tasty, & I don't use pesticides. I try to be as organic as I can. I also make a mean cherry tomato relish, and used to make marmalade, but too much sugar for us now. Life is good, I can sit down the back & read LRM, & you'd swear you were out in the bush, somewhere. Bob