My bees survived the winter! - First hive inspection of the year

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  • čas přidán 5. 04. 2023
  • I'm so happy that both my bee hives have survived the winter. In this video I open up the bee hives and take a look inside.
    Check out my Instagram - / alex_smith1809
    Support the Just Alex Channel on Patreon - / justalexsmith
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    Business enquiries - alexfordhamsmith@gmail.com

Komentáře • 476

  • @till_sn
    @till_sn Před rokem +289

    Seeing your bees alive and healthy makes me happy! Thank you for sharing your beekeeping journey with us.

  • @midwaytools4066
    @midwaytools4066 Před rokem +117

    You should put a second brood box on both. The queen is running out of space to lay, and a swarm is inevitable. A super isn't going to prevent it. If you don't want to split them give them another box, or start watching the trees, because that's where they are going.

    • @chasitybertrand
      @chasitybertrand Před rokem +3

      Coming to say the same thing.

    • @apolloisnotashirt
      @apolloisnotashirt Před 11 měsíci +13

      Double the brood, double the super, double the honey.

    • @ev1677
      @ev1677 Před 10 měsíci +2

      I really hope he takes the good advice he gets in the comments from experienced keepers. He only seems to reply to comments praising his videography.

    • @theamaroq7298
      @theamaroq7298 Před 9 měsíci +3

      @@ev1677 If you have a look at another of his videos where it's a bit in the future, this hive swarms twice I believe, so you were right!

    • @Eskil000
      @Eskil000 Před 9 měsíci +1

      How can you know when to put on another brood box?

  • @jamesclayton9177
    @jamesclayton9177 Před rokem +49

    I can easily see you becoming the new known voice for nature documentaries. I hope your channel and support continues to grow!

  • @colinjones439
    @colinjones439 Před rokem +233

    Hey Alex, just found your channel and watched your day 1-365 video and honestly you've inspired me. Watching your videos gave me an appreciation for bees that I'd never had, and watching your colonies grow and thrive has made me decide to begin working towards my first hive. Thanks for all you do, hope to see more videos soon

    • @supadupa1905
      @supadupa1905 Před rokem +7

      Mate, I recommend watching all Alex's content. This guy is absolutely amazing!

    • @Cringeneth
      @Cringeneth Před rokem +2

      What if I say something mematic here and not serious.
      🥛This is milk :D

    • @travkarvis8907
      @travkarvis8907 Před rokem +2

      @@Cringeneth ahh yes and this is blank space

    • @camilizard
      @camilizard Před rokem +2

      same here!!

    • @zma19
      @zma19 Před rokem +1

      Same😂

  • @reesurgent6400
    @reesurgent6400 Před rokem +19

    CZcams randomly showed your first beekeeping video to me and I clicked and watched the full almost 2 hours of it. It has definitely peaked my interest in beekeeping, and I signed up for a local class to learn more!

  • @LeeShand
    @LeeShand Před rokem +70

    Could not click fast enough Alex. I sat here for most of this video with my mouth wide open. Facinating mate. You have a talent of being able to make EVERY video something you want to watch without skipping! Nice Job Sir! Again.......

  • @honeyhavenfarm.est2023
    @honeyhavenfarm.est2023 Před rokem +107

    I'm a beekeeper and have been loving your bee videos and I hope you have great success in your operation. And also I must say your queens are great they have great brood patterns

  • @44birdie44
    @44birdie44 Před rokem +94

    Currently doing a beginners beekeeping course and they told us to not buy leather gloves for multiple reasons but the main one being hygiene. You can’t get them properly clean and can easily move diseases between hives.

    • @sandraclay169
      @sandraclay169 Před rokem +5

      I wash mine in washing machine and have several pair. I do not like getting my hands stung and also over time developed a bee venom allergy.

    • @just_alex
      @just_alex  Před rokem +39

      Yeah they are really hard to clean so I don’t bother doing it. If I had bees in a separate place I would probably use different gloves to prevent disease spread.

    • @allmodcons6
      @allmodcons6 Před rokem +41

      Just put rubber gloves over the top, then you can change them between hives and it keeps your leather ones clean

    • @ZeBeowulf
      @ZeBeowulf Před rokem +10

      You can steralize them in an instapot pretty easily.

    • @ujvarikristian-robert9743
      @ujvarikristian-robert9743 Před rokem +3

      I use surgical or medical gloves and they not sting my hands through them. Try it.

  • @thewolfin
    @thewolfin Před rokem +57

    Your passion is infectious, thanks for everything.

  • @kakisj
    @kakisj Před rokem +3

    i swear everytime i click on one of alexs videos it feels like im catching up with a friend

  • @ShineKelly
    @ShineKelly Před rokem +15

    in New Zealand I am just putting my bees to bed for winter and yours are just waking up :) You definitely have a good start to the season there! In the spring I don't wear gloves when I check my hives and I have never had to smoke them. Just because they are all over the frames it does not mean they are going to sting you - just don't wear overly strong deodorant etc (or eat bananas just before you check them!)

    • @TlagarhaniCentral
      @TlagarhaniCentral Před rokem

      Bananas is very specific...

    • @quintym7090
      @quintym7090 Před rokem +7

      @@TlagarhaniCentral When there is danger the bees will spread a pheromone, which contains isopentyl acetate. This smells exactly like bananas. If they smell this pheromone the bees will get more aggressive and are more likely to sting. That's why it's better to not eat bananas 😅

  • @sandraclay169
    @sandraclay169 Před rokem +4

    Hello Alex, I love your videos. I am a beekeeper in the state of Tennessee in the United States. One way I have discovered to store my frames and keep them free of wax moths is place cedar shavings on top of the frames if you store them stacked on top of each other in supers.

  • @jekster
    @jekster Před rokem +16

    Your bee series has such a good vibe. So much knowledge and so much appreciation of nature.

  • @helentowers3330
    @helentowers3330 Před rokem +16

    I didn't realise that bee keeping can be so interesting. I'm scared of them but couldn't stop watching. Keep up the good work.

    • @Jaciuwu
      @Jaciuwu Před rokem +2

      If you are nice to them they are nice to you :)

  • @mgharvey3657
    @mgharvey3657 Před rokem +7

    Hello from the states.

  • @helenplommer7361
    @helenplommer7361 Před rokem +11

    Yeyyy!! Super pleased your bees made it thru the long harsh winter! Alex, you're so inspiring and really confident now, it's much better learning from You than the books, as it's all gained from your own learnings ..Honestly, watching a bee being born was amazing, hope you're feeling like a pround Dad right now!! Oooh, nearly forgot, glad you've got some proper gloves 😅😊 can't wait to see your next adventures! Take care 😊

  • @tealkerberus748
    @tealkerberus748 Před 7 měsíci +1

    I'm sure you've found out by now, but putting your empty frames in the freezer for a few days before you store them, will kill off any wax moth eggs or other pests that would degrade the wax. Once they've been frozen, storing them in a sealed plastic tub will prevent any new moths from finding them and laying more eggs, and you just need a suitable desiccant in the tub to stop them going mouldy before it's time to return them to the hives.
    Also, an adjustable entrance on your hive means you can open it wide when there's a lot of movement, and close it up to suit when they're less active. Having bees waiting their turn or struggling to get through the front door reduces their efficiency.

  • @northernwildharvest
    @northernwildharvest Před rokem +13

    Awesome! Glad to see them thriving after the winter 🐝

  • @TheArtisticGardener777

    Great job Alex! Your beekeeping endeavor is coming along nicely!

  • @teinspringz
    @teinspringz Před rokem

    Glad your bees made it through Winter, Al!

  • @BartMolkenboer
    @BartMolkenboer Před rokem +1

    What an amazing creatures they are! Good to see your hive survived the winter, good luck on the hives this year Alex!

  • @daniel.100
    @daniel.100 Před rokem

    Bees are so special, im so glad yours are getting along great.

  • @rickyjessome4359
    @rickyjessome4359 Před rokem

    Fantastic video Alex! Great to see your bee's are doing well. Cheers

  • @AverageIdiot213
    @AverageIdiot213 Před rokem +18

    Hey, i just wanna say youre really inspirational and because of you i am interested in beekeeping and growing food for myself. Keep up the good work

  • @camilizard
    @camilizard Před rokem +1

    congrats on the bees surviving winter alex! i just found your channel recently and watching your bee journey has made me want to get my first colony too! best wishes to you and your bees

  • @Goblin_Witch
    @Goblin_Witch Před rokem +1

    It's always a delight to see Alex post another wonderful video ❤️😊

  • @bloodyhell3769
    @bloodyhell3769 Před rokem +1

    i love seeing these videos with check ups on the bees and other things you do now and then :)

  • @lukas1255
    @lukas1255 Před rokem +3

    Your content is above and beyond anything on youtube! this was a treat to watch, thank you so much for sharing this experience.

  •  Před rokem +8

    Thanks for sharing your experiences with different things you do. Watching your videos is very educating and relaxing at the same time. Hope you get a lot of honey this year:)

    • @Delibro
      @Delibro Před rokem

      After every video I plan to start doing an own and bigger project of the topic... they'r great :)
      Running out of time, won't watch the fungi videos ...

  • @trevorcornes1056
    @trevorcornes1056 Před rokem

    Glad your bees got through the winter Alex . Nice video too

  • @pureyorkshirehoney
    @pureyorkshirehoney Před rokem

    Hi Alex, really nice content you have about your bees, those hives look strong and the queens look like they are laying well.
    You will be in for a busy year, good luck 🐝

  • @josevilla8648
    @josevilla8648 Před rokem +2

    Magic, your beekeeping just like your filming goes from strength to strength. Seeing that worker bee emerging and being cleaned and welcomed into the hive was a great piece of film

  • @dianaverhulst3407
    @dianaverhulst3407 Před rokem +1

    You seem like such a nice guy, Alex. This was a great video. I'm learning so much from you about bees!

  • @rodrigo6459
    @rodrigo6459 Před rokem

    Just today I was wondering about your bees!! So happy to see they survived the winter!

  • @ianmaffett6275
    @ianmaffett6275 Před rokem

    Glad to see your bees happy and healthy after the winter.

  • @petelumley1578
    @petelumley1578 Před rokem

    Hugely informative vid Alex. Really enjoyed it

  • @superhero1972able
    @superhero1972able Před rokem +1

    Bloody excellent channel. Glad you are being so successful in all you are doing!

  • @jamesbirch-jw5bk
    @jamesbirch-jw5bk Před rokem +1

    Well done Alex and thank you for teaching and inspiring me to do more outdoor activities

  • @boriscastro3065
    @boriscastro3065 Před rokem +1

    I love this channel for the bees so cool seeing how far this guy has come

  • @iraelowolfgang1846
    @iraelowolfgang1846 Před rokem +1

    i've just watched your beekeeping journey and i'm so happy the lil bees survived this winter!

  • @ValShepley-qc4zr
    @ValShepley-qc4zr Před rokem

    That's brilliant Alex, looks like it'll be a good year on the honey front.

  • @jdbatwing
    @jdbatwing Před rokem

    I love your videos! And I’m glad you bees survived and are nice and healthy

  • @Dannsandiego
    @Dannsandiego Před rokem

    It looks like you are off to a great start, Alex! I'm happy to see your bees thrived through winter. Thanks for another interesting video. Cheers!

  • @khowardjulia
    @khowardjulia Před rokem +1

    Watching from Canada 🇨🇦 very invested in seeing how your bee journey continues!! Have loved watching all your videos so far! Good luck this season!

  • @Lorelaeyn
    @Lorelaeyn Před rokem +3

    Amazing to see the worker hatch. Really interesting to see the different-looking worker and drone cells / brood. I remember the very large queen cells from last year's videos.

  • @traceysallotment2506
    @traceysallotment2506 Před rokem

    Amazing 👏 absolutely love the bee updates.

  • @HD32PLAY
    @HD32PLAY Před rokem

    Your content is fantastic pal. Glad to see your bees thriving :D

  • @lukehanson7245
    @lukehanson7245 Před rokem +6

    I'm so happy that your bees are healthy and alive oh and happy Easter 🎉

  • @emzrking740
    @emzrking740 Před rokem

    I always look forward to your beekeeping videos! So interesting

  • @BeeSpace-
    @BeeSpace- Před rokem

    Love your videos, Alex. You have such empathy with the bees.

  • @michellecurrie8854
    @michellecurrie8854 Před rokem +1

    I love your channel.
    It is enjoyable and chill.
    Good luck with all your endeavours
    😊💚

  • @Flibbles
    @Flibbles Před rokem

    Your bee videos are much more informative than all the others I've seen, many thanks.

  • @joellenfawcett9404
    @joellenfawcett9404 Před rokem

    Great video Alex very informative and enjoyed watching. Wishing you great success with your bees🐝🐝🐝🐝

  • @gappo1301
    @gappo1301 Před rokem

    That was really interesting. Thanks for this video Alex.

  • @apnira10
    @apnira10 Před 11 měsíci +1

    Don’t know why YT algorithm recommended this channel but I’m glad it did. What a thoroughly nice, industrious, informative young man. A credit to his family!

  • @banfio64
    @banfio64 Před rokem +3

    You've inspired me to take on my own bee adventure! i have two hives set up in a community garden near where i live, and i'll be going to check on them this weekend, as well as attempt to mark my queens!

  • @Avingent
    @Avingent Před rokem

    I always excited when he uploads about the bees or the plants

  • @darrinschwieters
    @darrinschwieters Před rokem

    Picking up my bees today! your videos inspired me.

  • @Menji_x
    @Menji_x Před rokem +1

    The bees are back! Can’t wait to see how much honey you get this year!

  • @Andruu22
    @Andruu22 Před rokem

    Looking hap-hap-happy Alex. Congrats on your bee colony.

  • @louiseisobel
    @louiseisobel Před rokem +1

    Thank you! ✨💕

  • @guttersnipe3246
    @guttersnipe3246 Před rokem +1

    Keeping bees is just a great thing to do so interesting and every coloney are different as is the honey.Keep up the good work alex great channel

  • @dasherdoom2902
    @dasherdoom2902 Před rokem

    Youre videos about Beekeeping really made me change my mind about those little fellas. From hating then to having an admiration for them. Bees are cute ^^

  • @blt123xly
    @blt123xly Před rokem +6

    I'm always so happy to watch your videos Alex! I can't wait to see your channel grow and get exposed to more people. Thank you for such wholesome content!

  • @donevans1884
    @donevans1884 Před rokem

    brilliant video Alex you , you are doing a fantastic job .

  • @suz-x
    @suz-x Před rokem

    Those look like happy bees, love these videos. Looking forward to seeing them progress 😊

  • @samanthasimental3788
    @samanthasimental3788 Před rokem

    Your enjoyment of your bees makes me want to keep some. thank you for sharing your experience.

  • @maiasmith6418
    @maiasmith6418 Před rokem

    Great video Love seeing updates on the bees!

  • @lizbeard9463
    @lizbeard9463 Před rokem

    That was so interesting, thank you. Must be great to watch the progress and eventually gather honey!

  • @yeadude1000
    @yeadude1000 Před rokem

    awesome love your bee and growing crops (and mushroom) series very much

  • @crazycat7760
    @crazycat7760 Před rokem +3

    Love The bee keeping content Alex!

  • @willewiking98
    @willewiking98 Před rokem

    everything you do on your channel is just pure endorfines for me, looks so peaceful and lovely

  • @cenkaderoberts8099
    @cenkaderoberts8099 Před rokem

    You make amazing video to watch. Ever since I found your channel it been such joy to watch. I can't wait to see what more thing you do especially with your bees. Keep up the good work! :)

  • @matthewnother6209
    @matthewnother6209 Před rokem

    Very very good. Well done. I think it's amazing that you have taught yourself in such little time.

  • @willkriel-hartley1156

    Fantastic content. Stumbled across your Bee keeping videos purely by accident. However they are fascinating. Keep the bee videos coming. Very very interesting to follow 🐝🐝🐝

  • @AO-qu9we
    @AO-qu9we Před rokem +2

    My favourite series from your channel which made me follow and come along with your journey. Same as everyone you get me so inspired to do new things and travel the world 🌎 keep it up Alex! I’m looking forward to starting my 🐝 hive as well this year 😄

  • @karthi0166
    @karthi0166 Před rokem +4

    Hi alex, I just completed your mushroom growing video. I wanna live a life like you. Very peaceful, learning new things, exploring the world. I love your channel !!!

  • @barrymorrison8013
    @barrymorrison8013 Před rokem

    So cool!! Good stuff! Love your videos, keep them coming. Stay safe and be well.

  • @MelissaM83
    @MelissaM83 Před rokem

    Yaaaaaaayyyyyyyyyy , awwww that's fantastic bud!! Aww I can't wait for this year's adventures!!!!! ❤❤❤❤❤

  • @asthepaintflows
    @asthepaintflows Před rokem +1

    I love this channel!!! Great job with your beekeeping!

  • @BlueBeeMCMLXI
    @BlueBeeMCMLXI Před rokem

    That's a wake-up call. I thought Winter made them MOVE away. You good farmer you! Congratulations!

  • @jess8687
    @jess8687 Před rokem

    Bees are just so amazing 💖

  • @esmeclair7895
    @esmeclair7895 Před rokem +1

    Hey Alex this video has just brought me out of a cycle of bad thoughts and staying in bed feeling sorry for myself so Thankyou for your wholesome content and goofy nature, you’re a cool dude

  • @soniayoung7531
    @soniayoung7531 Před rokem

    Hi Alex beautiful bees glad they are ok ,great video like how you explain stuff, thanks for sharing stay blessed

  • @austinheter9460
    @austinheter9460 Před rokem

    Looking forward to the updates and progress this summer!!

  • @pusdienlaiks
    @pusdienlaiks Před rokem

    Greetings from Latvia!
    I really enjoy your channel.
    Also checked my 7 hives a week ago, and all hives were healthy.

  • @mr.mcbacon
    @mr.mcbacon Před rokem

    absolutely awesome keep up the great work

  • @soniamuniz2811
    @soniamuniz2811 Před rokem

    Thank you so much for sharing ypur vids. I love your vids. I just became a new beekeeper. I only have had them for a week. I have learned so much from your vids. Pls keep them coming. And thanks again.

  • @robertforrest7956
    @robertforrest7956 Před rokem +1

    A friend of mine in New Hampshire is just starting into bee keeping so shared your vids with her. 😁👍🏻

  • @midnight8031
    @midnight8031 Před rokem +1

    Alex I love watching your videos it helps me learn while you do. I have watched the 365 days of bee keeping video and also your previous videos, keep up the good work. Love from USA 🇺🇸.

  • @marklally820
    @marklally820 Před rokem

    Alex I hope you like looking after your bees 😊

  • @kthulu2
    @kthulu2 Před rokem

    i love bees. i love your channel. thank you for making these videos

  • @cheryl.539
    @cheryl.539 Před rokem

    Well done Carl, your bees are growing in number and the honey you will have will prove very productive.

  • @laurenloertscher1319
    @laurenloertscher1319 Před rokem

    I was very happy when I saw your upload. Hooray for wholesome bee videos!

  • @_koji
    @_koji Před rokem

    Thanks for the video!

  • @spoopy4339
    @spoopy4339 Před rokem

    Hey Alex, I've just started doing a beekeeping course with my local beekeeping association, and I can't begin to describe how helpful and great this video has been. It has really helped cement what I've learnt so far. I can't wait to learn more and hopefully start up my own hive soon. Watching your videos is going to be a great help. I am looking forward to seeing more videos of your hives 😊

  • @brndnlogic
    @brndnlogic Před rokem +1

    Wow they look so much better than last years hive! Congrats🎉🎉

  • @marinKem
    @marinKem Před rokem

    Lovely to see your bees have survived- hope they continue to thrive!🐝🐝

  • @JImbokav1971
    @JImbokav1971 Před 11 měsíci

    These videos are so informative and entertaining. Absolutely love catching up on your bee keeper exploits. If anything it more realistic and better than you list the 1st couple of Queens to swarming when you were away.

  • @JustinColavita
    @JustinColavita Před rokem

    Great work Alex.