Blackjack Apiary

06/15/2026

06/15/2026

This year things are a bit different.
Both of my bee colonies (different varieties) are creating tons of Drones. Not sure why, but bee’s will be bee’s. They know what they are doing better than I do. I will watch and learn and do more research into this.

05/30/2026

05/20/2026

Very interesting.

05/02/2026

Well, I installed my new Buckfast bees and added Norroa treatment. I checked to see the queen escaped her cage two days later.
This is what I opened the cover to see. They made almost 2 frames worth of comb, not where I wanted them to. lol.
But, wow. I could not be more pleased with the work these girls are doing! Already had honey made and started storage in two days!

04/30/2026

More information for you all!

04/23/2026

Russian Hybrids are here!! Norroa Treatment in both colonies! Should be good to go for a while. They are taking their orientation flights and learning their new home.

04/22/2026

One package of bees arrived today! They are in their new home! These are the “Buckfast” honey bees I’ve been waiting for.
Buckfast honey bees are a specially bred strain of Western honey bee developed in England at Buckfast Abbey by Brother Adam by crossing multiple subspecies to create a hardy and reliable hive.
They are known for their gentle temperament, strong honey production, resistance to disease, and lower tendency to swarm. Unlike many other bees, Buckfast bees are highly adaptable and will often continue flying and foraging in cooler temperatures and even DURING light rain, this allows them to take advantage of unfavorable conditions when other bees stay inside, which can lead to increased productivity. Yea!

04/17/2026

Getting prepared for my Bee’s!!
Frames are waxed and ready to go!!
Bee’s shipped today!