Cows and Bees

Working the hives safely may depend on how well your hive smoker is working!  In this photo, you see a bee keeper’s delight.  The fuel used in the smoker is dried cow dung, from the two cows of HF.  Dried cow dung produces a cool smoke which is better for the bees than a very acrid smoke which is produced by pine straw, our usual fuel choice only because it is found near the bee pasture.  Smoke doesn’t exactly calm the bees, it interrupts their communication to one another, preventing an assault on the beekeeper.  a few puffs at the lower entrance of the hive and then when you remove the top and occasionally as you continue working with the bees.  Great Website and Book for Beekeepers