I helped extract the honey! After you scrape or scratch the caps off each of the cells (those hexagons!), the honey starts to drip. Then it goes in the extractor. Sylvain's extractor holds 20 frames at a time. The golden honey drips out. Yum!
I learned about genetics one day when Sylvain and I were placing nucs in the hives. If a queen is aggressive for some reason, the entire hive follows suit. I was gently starting on a frame in this one hive and the bees went on the attack! I was stung between the eyebrows, the side of my nose and my upper lip. They went after Sylvain too, who was at the other end of the bee yard. The breeder may not have realized that the queen was aggressive, but usually these kind of queens are replaced. I was a little sore! (and ugly--you should see the other guy)
On hot days here at Millefleurs farm, the breeze off the lake is so pleasant. Sadly, I have only the week remaining but then I will be looking for more adventure.....
OMG, Lynne, I hope you are recovered quickly! Brutal! Just catching up on your adventures now...
ReplyDeleteHugs, Cathy :)