We were offered a bee yard location near some crimson clover. The area is prime bee forage, stream within a few feet and you can drive up to the location.

On the property was five hives that were basically abandoned. Best we can tell the last time they were even looked at was summer of 2005. The owner said he went to take the honey and noticed wax moths when he opened the first hive. They closed it up and left.

We bought the hives and had them inspected. All ok.

They are the strongest hives I have ever seen. Full of bees top to bottom. No excluders so there is brood all the way up. We made 4 splits with queen cell frames. There was so many bees available we were able to shake in plenty to go with the splits. One we didn't see the queen so we did a side-by-side.

The one on end closest in the picture was amazing. I didn't see one hive beetle and we went through every frame. The frames were completely glued in and we found the original queen cage hanging in place. With only 9 frames in the deeps, there was a good bit of messed up comb/brace comb.

I don't think the owner ever treated for mites or anything else for that matter. Neither will we.

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beekeeper@zacharyfarmsllc.com

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