The Hive Jive - Beekeeping Podcast

BC - Bees Teaching Bees

Today Nathalie and John discuss new research that suggests younger bees learn the finer details of a precision Waggle Dance from older more experienced bees.  What implications could this have on how we view our colonies, and the decisions we make on their behalf?  Tune in now to learn more...

BC - To Be Excluded

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John discuss the topic of Queen Excluders.  What were they designed for? How do you use them?  When should they be used? And, are they even really required?  Tune in now to find out what the pair think about this often touchy subject...

BC - Safe Passage Comb Guides

Today John and Nathalie discuss a comb guide that was recently brought to John's attention from a listener.  This comb guide is meant to be placed on the bottom of Topbar hive bars in order to help encourage the bees to draw out their comb in a straight line.  However, this specific comb guide claims several other advantages that make it stand out from all others... including nature itself.  Is this latest hive invention all it is cracked up to be?  Tune in now to hear John and Nathalie's initial impressions for the prospects of the Safe Passage Comb Guide...

BC - Batting Zero

Today John breaks the news to Nathalie that he is now back down to zero colonies.  Despite everything looking great for the "Oh Bee One Colony" going into winter, things took a drastic turn somewhere along the way.  This has left John with more questions than answers.  Tune in now to learn more...

 

(Original Air Date: Feb 28th, 2023)

BC - ReWilding

Recently, a listener brought up the subject of Re-Wilding honey bees in the comments after discussing Honey Bees as the Poster Child for the Save the Bees movement.  So, in today's beekeeper chat, John and Nathalie attempt to tackle the concept of "Re-Wilding" and whether this is a good idea or not.  Turns out, it is not an easy subject and there are a lot of variables that can make the concept go either way. Tune in now to learn more!

 

(Original Air Date: Feb 22nd, 2023)

BC - Honey Bees as the Poster Child

Today Nathalie and John discuss whether the fact that the Honey Bee has become the Poster Child of the "Save the Bees" movement is a good thing, or if it could have it's own unintended consequences.  There are pros and cons to both sides of this, and of course it all depends on how you look at it.  Tune in now, and let us know what you think about this scenario...

 

(Original Air Date: Feb 15th, 2023)

BC - Queen Rearing Preferences

This week, John and Nathalie discuss their preferred queen rearing methods.  What strategies have they tried, what has worked well and what hasn't, and do they agree on the best practices?  Tune in now to learn more...

 

(Original Air Date: Feb 8th, 2023)

BC - Stepping on Toes

your own beekeeping operation without stepping on the toes of those who might have mentored you along the way.  Are there ways to avoid these types of situations from the start, and what if you find yourself in the middle of this type of situation unintentionally?  Tune in now to learn more...

 

(Original Air Date: Feb 1st, 2023)

BC - Effects of Oxalic Acid on Bee Larvae

In today's Beekeeper Chat, Nathalie and John discuss some new research that shows the potential side effects of OA (Oxalic Acid) treatments and the impacts it has on developing larvae.  Tune in now to learn more...

 

(Original Air Date: Jan 25th, 2023)

BC - Off Gassing of OSB boards and Wax Q&A

In today's beekeeper chat, Nathalie and John tackle a couple of listener questions regarding the use of plywood or OSB boards when building hives, as well as the effects on newly drawn wax when feeding sugar.  Tune in now to learn more...

 

(Original Air Date: Jan 18th, 2023)