Hens

[Allan]

This might seem an unusual topic, but I have been offered a good location to keep hives but there are free range hens in the area. Has any other beekeepers had issues with hens ie will the eat the bees

[Chrisbarlow]

personally, nope. sorry. but anecdotal information.

local season bee inspector once mentioned to me that some of the best hives he every looked at were in a chicken coop. From memory, he believed that any weak bees were gobbled by the hens meaning that only the healthy bees made it back in to the hive.

I suspect the hens benefited from the extra protein

[nealh]

Go for it, I read a French blog and apparently they are an Asian Hornets worst nightmare.

[Patrick]

I have known people with hens in their apiary without an issue, so I agree also.

Certainly not a reason to decline the site. Other considerations such as close vehicular access is probably more relevant.

Walking across a field to simply inspect bees is one thing, having to do so carrying full supers or occupied hives is another.

[MickBBKA]

One of my apiaries has about 30 free range hens around the hives. Never had any problems other than being mobbed by hens thinking I had come to feed them..LOL

[Patrick]

Hi Mick

You Mick from the previous forum by any chance? Good to hear from you.

[MickBBKA]

Yes, before some power crazed loon booted me because I had a different opinion to their narcissistic view.

[MickBBKA]

Just re read that..... yes I was on the old BBKA forum that I left but wasn't booted from, I was booted from some other rubbish that I can't remember the name of.. LOL

[Chrisbarlow]

Yes, before some power crazed loon booted me because I had a different opinion to their narcissistic view.

There's far to many of those about.

[MickBBKA]

Hi Mick

You Mick from the previous forum by any chance? Good to hear from you.

Sorry Patrick, I forgot to say thank you, nice to see you still active.

Cheers, Mick.