If you are a beginner like me
queen rearing sounds like an impossible task to pull off. It 's even more difficult to do without the right
equipment or without the correct
technique. You also have to choose your preferred
method. Here's a
video from the mainland and
another that show a low tech method; there is a
ton of information online about the
subject. This site explains a preferred
low tech method as well.
For someone who keeps bees, there are a
number of good reasons why this skill and knowledge is important. This may be the
best place to get started online. Dr Hubertus Kohn handed it out as part of his workshop on queen rearing. This different
link provides the basic information on the
method that Dr Kohn is demonstrating to some local beekeepers. It's been rather hectic lately with all the prep work for the workshop as we have had to battle the elements and arrange and rearrange schedules to coax the bees into being cooperative with us.
So far we have had limited success. The rain and wind along with a dearth of flowering flora has convinced Dr Kohn that we may be a little early with this workshop. The
process is rather straight forward but having the right conditions are essential for success. Learning from someone more
knowledgeable than you are will also increase your chance for success. I'll post more about our workshop with Dr Kohn. We still have some work to do before we're pau but it's been very educational and gives me more insight at to what we need on Kaua'i to help beekeepers maintain strong hives and healthy bees.
On that note, KBee will be hosting another public meeting this Tuesday, March 16 at KCC in the Electronic and Technology Building. Darci Oishi from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture will introduce Danielle Downey, the state's newly hired apiary specialist. The meeting will start at 6pm and we will learn for Darci and Danielle what is the state's plan for assisting local beekeepers and helping Kaua'i keep the
small hive beetle and
varroa mite off the Garden Island.
Kauai Beekeepers Association
Public Invited Open Meeting
Tuesday, March 16 at 6 pm
Electronic and Technology Building
Rm 114 Multipurpose Room
Kauai Community College
