Adding a new out yard

I was recently invited to put a few colonies on a tree farm about 3 min from my current apiary. I happily agreed and got to work building it yesterday.

Anyone in my area knows that digging is not an easy task because of all the rock we have here. Well, putting T-posts and 8’ grounding rods in isn’t much easier. Please excuse the crooked t-posts, they started out straight but, the rocks had other plans.

Why did I need an electric fence you may ask. Well, black bears are very common in my area. While nothing will keep out a determined bear, electric fence is a little more insurance than nothing at all.

All in all I drove 9 T-posts and 2 – 8’ grounding rods into the ground. I hauled 16 cinder blocks and 4 – 4”x4”x8’ posts to build this new apiary. I went with what I would call a temporary build so, that if the land owner changes their mind or something happens I can move it with little work. Driving in permanent fence posts and concreting in the hive stands would make a lot more work for me. This install is very sturdy and will last for ever if properly looked after.

I will be placing 5 hives in this location for now. I will be adding the bees in about a week. Why the wait? I wanted to give the bears time to find the fence before adding bees. I am helping them find it by wrapping bacon around one wire on 4 sides of the fence. The bacon will attract them in, the bear will go to eat the bacon only to be give a quick zap to let them know they don’t want to touch the fence.

I will take down the bacon and install the 5 hives in about a week. I will put up another post when I get that done.

Oh, I also wanted to update you on the status of the girls in my current apiary. The workers are bringing in lots of nectar and pollen right now. The nectar flow is strong this year so I am looking forward to a good harvest. I will update the site as soon as I have honey back up for sale.

I hope you all enjoyed the long weekend.

Tim