@beebuzzgardens, a beginner beekeeper with only a week of experience, is checking on their hive after recently installing a nuc. It’s a hot day, and they mention their plan to inspect the hive thoroughly to understand how it’s progressing. They talk about the frames’ orientation, noting that they used a homemade jig adapter for the installation, but they’re still uncertain about what they’ll find inside the hive.
They mention having a mentor to help guide them through the process, which has been valuable in their early days of beekeeping. @beebuzzgardens has also set up a separate Langstroth hive to serve as a swarm box. During the inspection, they observe that much of the capped honey has disappeared since the last check. They do find evidence of brood but can’t see the queen, which raises concerns.
Additionally, they notice some irregular, or “wonky,” comb and spot a few dead bees, further increasing their anxiety about the queen’s condition. @beebuzzgardens expresses a sense of uncertainty as they continue to learn about hive management and the various challenges that come with beekeeping. Despite the setbacks, they remain committed to understanding the hive’s current state and improving their skills with time and guidance.