Another dilemma has been the fitting of the mouse guard. Some texts state that the guard should be fitted in late September but I believe that since our weather patterns are shifting we need to be alert to the changes in our apiary management. I might have got it wrong but putting a mouse guard on requires the removal of the entrance block, this opens up the entire length of the entrance to any wasps whereas previously the small hole in the entrance block was guarded by a group of bees. Anyway I went for it and it was harder than I imagined as I failed to have everything to hand again and needed to screw two small brackets onto the lower part of the brood chamber. Needless to say the bees were fascinated with my work and decided to all come and have a look. Thankfully they are still very good natured and I had no problems.
Mouse guard in place I raised the crown board up on four matchsticks at the corners, added a thermal quilt and put the roof on. Hopefully I'll get to have another look if we have a warm day but I am content that I have done all that I can to get them through the winter.
Now my thoughts have turned to next year and I'll be attempting to come up with a plan to expand to three colonies in 14x12 National hives. I've decided to make my own and ordered my own freshly farmed Red Cedar which is drying out in the shed. I'll let you know how I get on ..
