We are treatment free, small cell beekeepers. In 2005, we had 4 hives, but lost em all in 2006. We just got back into bees 2015. We lost some hives this past winter due to the cold snap in March.
When we opened the hive, we found dead bees that blocked the entrance / exit so the remaining bees couldn't get out.
:( We knew there was a good possibility some wouldn't make it through the winter, so we ordered packages in January. We order from Wolf Creek Bees (TN). Ruth (owner) sells small cell bees (can be hard to find). Anyhow, we're back on track and the girls are busy making honey.
We have chickens too (and Nigerian Dwarf goats). I have a 'mutt' flock of chickens and also a separate flock of Rhode Island White chickens. RI Whites are not related to RI reds - separate breed altogether. RI Whites are pretty rare. I'm part of an effort to bring them back check out Rhode Island White group on fb).
I work full-time, but hubby is self employed and is there to watch over things while I'm at work.
