First Year Colonies: What to Do When the Bees Arrive
Channel: Michigan State University Beekeeping
Date: 2020-04-10

This video is the second of two webinars from the spring of 2020. It was designed to guide beginner beekeepers in Michigan in what to do when their bees arrive. Topics covered include nuc and package installation, troubleshooting, and general activities and priorities for the first year.

Supplemental materials: 
List of recommended resources for beekeepers: https://pollinators.msu.edu/resources/beekeepers/resources-for-beekeepers/
MSU Extension video on installing a nuc: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G2iDuLVQBfs
MSU Extension video on installing a package: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_V0UCW8mLYo
University of Minnesota video on installing a package: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jm9j7ARfa3k
How to open a plastic bee bus package box video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VLEBYFQgeyQ
University of Minnesota video on inspecting a new colony: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G7KVj_JBzGA
Article on establishing a honey bee colony: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56818659c21b86470317d96e/t/5900c95f1b631b3a5b23b9c1/1493223777073/Getting+your+first+year+honey+bee+colony+established.pdf
Instructions for lighting a smoker: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56818659c21b86470317d96e/t/5900cb7b29687fc9f34f4c1d/1493224316122/3FireSmoker.pdf
Recommendations for maximizing wax production: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/56818659c21b86470317d96e/t/5900c94fa13df0fb1b6b1a0c/1493223759234/HiveArrangement.pdf
Article on feeding honey bees: https://pollinators.msu.edu/sites/_pollinators/assets/File/FeedingHoneyBees-Final.pdf

HAVE BEEKEEPING QUESTIONS? Send your questions to the MSU Apiculture Team here: https://pollinators.msu.edu/questions/