- ONBG (OxNatBees) is an informal mutual support network for beginners and experienced beeks who aspire to practise bee-centric, low intervention, and chemical-free beekeeping in Oxfordshire. To join the group and share ideas, questions, information and experiences, please use this site's Contact Us form.
Next ONBG Meeting
Saturday 15th July, Oxford – rooftop apiary
Twitter: @OxNatBees
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Recent Blog Posts
- Summer starvation warning June 17, 2017
- ONBG meeting, 13th May 2017 – swarms and exotic hives June 7, 2017
- Bees in trees May 29, 2017
- The ‘other’ bees: Steven Falk workshop May 22, 2017
- Cob beehive – an experimental top-bar hive adaption May 5, 2017
- Adapting to foundationless frames in a National hive May 2, 2017
- The Bee Meeting: North Tawton and South Leigh April 8, 2017
- ONBG meeting, 1st April 2017 – an emergency cut-out April 4, 2017
- Spreading the Bee Buzz #11 – Starting Beekeeping March 29, 2017
- Two swarms in the same hive: an update March 22, 2017
- ONBG meeting, 12 March 2017 March 14, 2017
- Beginners start here March 2, 2017
- Angry bees February 16, 2017
- Winter forage February 8, 2017
- Calm bees February 5, 2017
- Spreading the Bee Buzz #10 – Surviving Winter February 2, 2017
- Modelling a Beehive January 30, 2017
- “How many bees?” January 30, 2017
- Open mating and genetics – Drones January 14, 2017
- Bees nest in a tree (not quite) January 12, 2017
Tag Archives: Queries
New bees update
I spent a lot of time observing the bees this morning and wanted to share my findings with the group for comments and guidance. As some of the flying bees had been returning to where the hive had been originally … Continue reading
First bees
On wednesday, 23rd May, I had a call from Harry that a ‘pestaker’ was bringing a swarm from Tetbury about 40 minutes away. I dashed over to Shilton and waited to usher the ‘pestaker into the drive’ He arrived in a BMW and … Continue reading
swarms
I was wondering whether the split in my colony on Saturday would definitely lessen the urge to swarm and it seems from Lynne’s post it may not! Don’t know what to suggest Lynne- how frustrating. Perhaps the popcorn might be … Continue reading
Swarming from split and multiple casts
Yesterday the hive that Paul split – see previous post – swarmed from the ‘original’ colony half. So the split didn’t make them feel any less like swarming- but hey, I’m telling myself it’s just a good strong colony maybe… … Continue reading
Bearding or Massive clearance sale on drones?
A week on from the hive split and I noticed a lot of bees on the outside of the hive I split. See how the other hive, in the background of this picture, has no “beard” outside the entrance? If … Continue reading
putting bees from a national into a top-bar
I am still waiting for a break in the weather and a bit more warmth to transfer one of my colonies, currently in a national hive into my new top-bar . I have had them on brood and a half … Continue reading
Meeting 19th May
Just to confirm that the next meeting of ONBG will be at my place in Bampton on 19th May. I will let everyone know details closer to the time. I thought one of my hives was about to swarm yesterday … Continue reading
