OJ Blount's 1st Natural Beekeeping Field Day - Video #4

It was cold, windy day for OJ Blounts first Natural Beekeeping Field Day on Feb. 27, 2010 in Lower Alabama but 20 people showed up on short notice, some driving from hours away. (He'll be holding these on the last Saturday of each month. Go to http://alabamabeekeepers.com/ for updates, agenda and directions). Much of what he talked about can be seen on the first three videos posted here so I just took a few segments from the day to give an idea of how it went. He started out with a funny story from his beginnings then showed how and why he customizes his beehives. He also provided information on bee supplies.
If you have not yet seen parts one through three then you should do so as they show in detail how to clean out the hive from the back without disturbing the bees and how to put together his customized hive.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• OJ
• Blount
• Natural
• Beekeeping
• Field
• Day

[green2lean]

He says doesn't like to open the hive because the bees have to work to put propolis back on yet his ventilation is a constant strain on the bees in regard to trying to seal up holes in addition to if bugs can get in through cracks made from opening the hives, can't the same bugs get in through the ventilation holes?

I love his hive but I'm not grasping the logic of what he's saying.

[ArtfullyYours]

@green2lean - Mr. Blount said the holes of the ventilation screen are tiny where as a crack is wider. The bees will start to put propolis on the screen only after they've filled the hive with honey. So then it's time to put on another super. Another thing one can do to delay them from sealing up the screen is to put a queen excluder just below it. While they could still go thru it, they won't as much. Thank you for asking!

[GarryGyounker]

> > Wonderful video -

OJ you mentioned the 5/32nd metal screen - Could you e-mail me the address where you by that please - Thanks

GARRY - - - - - - - - - garryyounker@gmail.com

[ArtfullyYours]

@GarryGyounker - It's a perforated sheet of 22 gauge galvanized metal with hole diameter of 5/32 with 3/16 centers and 63% open area. Sheets can be obtained through McNichols Co. (1-800-237-3820) or similar manufacturer. If you need just a couple of pieces you can obtain them through OJ Blount 334-222-0751.

[ArtfullyYours]

This video shows his new way of feeding with an all screen top, so the bees can't get out when the jars are changed. A flat lid is important to have contact with the screen. A mason jar lid has an indent, preventing good contact with the screen. With a full screen you can also look at the bees. Mr. Blount is always looking for ways to improve.

[sevenmmm]

That was great. I am going to do some modifying to my foundations! Thank you Mr. Blount.