Can New Queen Cells Really Fix This Aggressive Bee Hive?

Ray installs a couple of queen cells, including one in his aggressive hive, in hopes to get it calm down with different genetics. This process involves carefully selecting and introducing new queens to the colony, which can sometimes help to reduce aggressive behaviors and promote a more harmonious environment within the hive. We will see how this experiment turns out and what changes we might observe in the hive dynamics over time. Plus, drones are being born and using my queen castle, which serves as a special area for nurturing these male bees. It’s fascinating to watch the life cycle of the bees unfold, as each new drone plays a crucial role in the overall health and reproduction of the hive. Stay tuned for updates on both the queen cell installations and the development of the drones in the queen castle as we continue to explore the intricate world of beekeeping!
Fixing A Failing Bee Colony By Replacing The Queen Bee

Ray looks at the result of failing queen and carefully removes her from the hive, almost messing it up in the process. This task is never a fun job, as it requires a lot of attention and precision to ensure the hive remains healthy and stable. In this video, we will explore the challenges that come with managing a hive when the queen fails and the steps Ray takes to handle this situation properly. Watch as he demonstrates the best practices for bee keeping and shares valuable insights that can help you avoid common pitfalls. Don’t forget to subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@HoneyTopBees to stay updated on all things beekeeping!
For those looking to dive deeper into the world of bees, check out Ray’s Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course, which you can find at this link: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/.
This course is designed to equip you with all the knowledge and skills you need to become a successful beekeeper, so be sure to sign up and start your journey today!
The Best Smoker Tips for Beginners

A walk-through on how to light a smoker, including a step-by-step guide to ensure you get it right every time. We will explore the different types of fuels you can use, such as charcoal, wood chips, and pellets, along with their unique characteristics and benefits. Additionally, I will share some helpful tips and tricks to make the lighting process easier and more efficient, ensuring that you achieve the perfect temperature for your smoking needs. Whether you are a beginner looking to start your smoking journey or an experienced enthusiast seeking new techniques, this video will provide you with all the information you need to successfully light your smoker and enjoy delicious smoked dishes.
ARG! Trying to Split A Top Bar Hive with Different Size Bars and other bee yard issues

Ray checks on a walk-away split from two different designs of top bar hives, sharing his insights and observations on the distinctions between the two styles. He also discusses the benefits and challenges that come with each design. In addition, Ray takes on various other bee yard chores that are essential for maintaining a healthy and productive hive. These tasks include inspecting the bees, ensuring they have enough food, and checking for any signs of disease or pests. Join Ray as he provides a detailed look into his beekeeping routine and shares valuable tips along the way.
Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@HoneyTopBees
Rays Complete Beginners Bee Keeping Course: https://www.honeytopbees.com/rays-beginner-video-course/
Equipment:
DJI 3
Edited with Filmora
Tags:
#beekeeping #southcarolina #beekeeper #honeyBees #hiveinspection #hivealive #beekeeping2025 #bees #backyardbeekeeping #apiary #honey #beekeepingtips #honeytopbees #southernbeekeeping #Beekeeping101 #LearnBeekeeping
Fav Channels:
@brucesbees @NaturesImageFarmGregBurns @YappyBeeman @JeffHorchoff @beek @aCanadianBeekeepersBlog @BeekeepingWithNatalee @InsideTheHiveTV @BohemiaBees @castlehives filmora projects
I Found An Amazing Top Bar Hive with a Honey Super Feature!

Ray reviews a top-bar hive with a honey super that he is testing this season. In this engaging video, he shares his thoughts and insights about this specific hive design. While not a new design, it has been around for a while, but Ray believes that if it works effectively, it could significantly address one of the common bottlenecks faced by beekeepers when it comes to maintaining a top bar hive. This bottleneck often involves challenges related to honey extraction and overall hive management. Ray goes in-depth about the features of the honey super and how it integrates with the top-bar hive, providing viewers with a comprehensive understanding of its potential benefits. Throughout the video, he will demonstrate how to set it up and share his personal experiences and observations as he puts it to the test this season. Join Ray on this journey as he explores the possibilities of improving top-bar hive operations and maximizing honey production.
Bee Hive Source: https://customcedarbeehives.com/
What Is The BEST Option For New Beekeepers Package Bees Or Nuc

Ray reviews some of the pros and cons of packaged bees and a nuc, providing an in-depth analysis of each option for new beekeepers. He discusses the advantages of choosing packaged bees, including their availability and the opportunity for beekeepers to start with a fresh, new colony. Additionally, Ray goes over the disadvantages of packaged bees, such as the potential challenges in establishing a strong hive right from the start. On the other hand, he examines the benefits of opting for a nuc, which comes with a more established colony and can offer a quicker start to honey production. However, he also addresses some of the drawbacks associated with purchasing a nuc, like the higher initial cost and the importance of ensuring the quality of the nuc. Throughout the video, Ray shares his personal thoughts and recommendations on which option might be the best fit for those who are just beginning their journey into beekeeping. Whether you are leaning towards packaged bees or a nuc, this video aims to provide valuable insights to help you make an informed decision as you embark on your beekeeping adventure.
Check out my video bee class at www.honeytopbees.com
Why I Switched ALL My Hives From 10 Frame to 8 Frame and Never Looked Back! | Beginning Beekeeping

For most small-scale and backyard beekeepers, Ray makes a compelling case that 8-frame hives may be the best choice for new beekeepers who are just starting out in this rewarding and fascinating hobby. He discusses the various advantages that 8-frame hives can offer, including their manageable size and ease of handling, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who may not have extensive experience with beekeeping. Ray emphasizes how these hives can provide a great balance between efficiency and accessibility, allowing new beekeepers to learn the ins and outs of hive management without becoming overwhelmed. Additionally, he highlights the importance of choosing the right equipment to set the foundation for a successful beekeeping journey, making this advice invaluable for those looking to dive into this wonderful world of bees.
Parts of a Beehive EXPLAINED | Beekeeping for Absolute Beginners | Start Keeping Bees

This is Beekeeping 101 for absolute beginners! Learn all the essential parts of a beehive and how to set up your very first colony. We’ll demystify terms like brood chamber and honey super, explain the function of each hive component, and guide you through choosing the right location and assembling your hive. From installing your bees to understanding their fascinating world, this video will give you the foundation you need to begin your beekeeping journey. Perfect for aspiring beekeepers, honey lovers, and anyone interested in supporting pollinators. Like, subscribe, and hit the notification bell for more beekeeping tips!
Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@HoneyTopBees
My Beekeeping Fail https://youtu.be/PLedRnpChw4?si=9A1dfgsMd6WBP-wc
Honeytopbees Mentoring Club https://www.honeytopbees.com/new-beekeeper-mentoring/
Equipment:
DJI 3
Edited with Filmora
Tags:
#beekeeping #southcarolina #beekeeper #honeyBees #hiveinspection #hivealive #beekeeping2025 #bees #backyardbeekeeping #apiary #honey #beekeepingtips #honeytopbees #southernbeekeeping
Fav Channels:
@brucesbees @NaturesImageFarmGregBurns @YappyBeeman @JeffHorchoff @beek @aCanadianBeekeepersBlog @BeekeepingWithNatalee @InsideTheHiveTV @BohemiaBees @castlehives filmora projects
Why This Possum is Eating Dead Bees

I caught a possum eating the dead honey bees on the ground in the winter. It was quite an unusual sight to witness, especially during this cold season when food sources can be scarce for many animals. The possum seemed to be scavenging, taking advantage of the fallen bees that were no longer alive. – Sorry, the footage is shaky, as I was not prepared for this moment and did not have a good camera with me at the time, which made it difficult to capture the scene as clearly as I would have liked. I hope you can still enjoy this rare glimpse into nature despite the quality of the video.
Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@HoneyTopBees
My Beekeeping Fail https://youtu.be/PLedRnpChw4?si=9A1dfgsMd6WBP-wc
Honeytopbees Mentoring Club https://www.honeytopbees.com/new-beekeeper-mentoring/
Tags:
#beekeeping #southcarolina #beekeeper #honeyBees #hiveinspection #hivealive #beekeeping2025 #bees #backyardbeekeeping #apiary #honey #beekeepingtips #honeytopbees #southernbeekeeping
Fav Channels:
@brucesbees @NaturesImageFarmGregBurns @YappyBeeman @JeffHorchoff @beek @aCanadianBeekeepersBlog @BeekeepingWithNatalee @InsideTheHiveTV @BohemiaBees @castlehives filmora projects
Hive Theft Is Up & Honey Bees Are Dying- What is going on??

Ray gives a balanced discussion concerning the issue of colony death and bee hive theft in early 2025 – and its impact on beekeepers across America, providing crucial insights into the current bee decline. He explores various factors affecting bee health, including the devastating effects of varroa destructor and the importance of proper bee nutrition in maintaining strong colonies. This informative video explains the current population decline situation that’s making headlines in the beekeeping industry. 🐝
Here is bee theft article
https://www.sacbee.com/news/local/article300362704.html
Subscribe here: www.youtube.com/@HoneyTopBees
My Beekeeping Fail https://youtu.be/PLedRnpChw4?si=9A1dfgsMd6WBP-wc
Honeytopbees Mentoring Club https://www.honeytopbees.com/new-beekeeper-mentoring/