In biodynamic beekeeping, the colony is viewed as a single, sentient being. Viewing the colony in this way, as opposed to compartmentalizing all the aspects of the colony, provides us with a more holistic, comprehensive view and a deeper understanding of how the colony works.
Bees are allowed to build their own comb, without the use of pre-formed foundation. This supports their instinct to build comb thats complementary to the needs of the hive, encourages natural cell sizes which decreases mite loads, enhances the communication within the hive, and promotes vitality and resilience.
Biodynamic beekeepers avoid artificial queen breeding and annual replacements of queens. The goal is to strengthen the bees’ own immune system and natural defenses through rearing quality genetics.
Biodynamic beekeepers encourage natural swarms within the natural rhythms and seasons as opposed to preventing swarms at all costs. Swarming is a symptom of a healthy, prolific colony, decreases mite loads and, thus, the necessity for extensive mite treatment, and improves genetic biodiversity and vitality.
Only natural, non-invasive methods are used to support hive health. The goal is to strengthen the bees’ own immune system and independence.
View of the Hive
Seen as living, sentient organism
Compartmentalized, cogs in a wheel, able to be manipulated without consequence
Queen Rearing
Bees raise queens naturally
Queens are often artificially bred and annually replaced
Comb Building
Bees build their own comb
Plastic foundation regularly used
Swarming
Seen as healthy, natural process
Swarming prevented at all costs, up to and including clipping queen’s wings
Feeding
Ideally honey. Sugar feeding is avoided if possible; sweetened herb and mushroom tea fed to bees to support vitality
Sugar syrup regularly and frequently used
Treatments
No synthetic chemicals; natural holistic care
Chemical treatments uses for pests and disease and used multiple times a year
Intervention Level
As needed and goal oriented, “get in and get out”
Frequent, invasive, and lengthy inspections and manipulations
Hive Materials
Natural wood, no paint, no plastic
Use standard industrial equipment with synthetic materials
Seasonal Rythyms
Follows natural and lunar rhythms
Practices based on productive cycles and human convenience
Philosophical Foundation
Rooted in spiritual and ecological principles – Bee Centric
Rooted in commerce, efficiency, and yield – Beekeeper Centric
Seen as living, sentient organism
Compartmentalized, cogs in a wheel, able to be manipulated without consequence
Bees raise queens naturally
Queens are often artificially bred and annually replaced
Bees build their own comb
Plastic foundation regularly used
Seen as healthy, natural process
Swarming prevented at all costs, up to and including clipping queen’s wings
Ideally honey. Sugar feeding is avoided if possible; sweetened herb and mushroom tea fed to bees to support vitality
Sugar syrup regularly and frequently used
No synthetic chemicals; natural holistic care
Chemical treatments uses for pests and disease and used multiple times a year
As needed and goal oriented, “get in and get out”
Frequent, invasive, and lengthy inspections and manipulations
Natural wood, no paint, no plastic
Use standard industrial equipment with synthetic materials
Follows natural and lunar rhythms
Practices based on productive cycles and human convenience
Rooted in spiritual and ecological principles – Bee Centric
Rooted in commerce, efficiency, and yield – Beekeeper Centric
The biodynamic approach is a bee-centric approach, meaning it ultimately lets bees be bees. Like an observant, discerning, and supportive, but not intrusive, parent, the beekeeper empowers the bees to take the lead and dictate what they need. The beekeeper steps in when needed. A biodynamic beekeeper doesn’t raise bees on crutches in pursuits of his or her goals, which is, conversely, what conventional management unintentionally fosters.
