What makes a chicken coop easy to live with?

[Daphne]

I noticed the other day masses of flight activity outside our new hive, so much so that there were bees actually on the hive above the entrance waiting to go in. Shortly afterwards it rained. Do bees know when its going to rain; are they sensitive to barometric pressure or something?

[Olly]

I don't know - but I don't see why not, after all they're affected by vibrations and similar.

 

Not observed this myself, I clearly need to keep a closer eye! Might be a useful warning to get the washing off the line ...

[TheChookKeeper]

It's not so much that they can predict rain I don't think - but I believe they are quite sensitive to air pressure, and as such, can feel the pressure rising and falling, and hence know when the weather is going to change, and whether it will be for better or worse.

 

My dad (ex beekeeper!) was saying the other day that I need to experience inspecting the bees when a thunderstorm is on the way. Apparently, they know it's coming before your barometer does, and CERTAINLY before humans do - and they get rather grumpy, rather quickly!

 

Sometimes, you know, I think he's out to get me savaged by my bees

[paulmartin483]

I noticed the other day masses of flight activity outside our new hive, so much so that there were bees actually on the hive above the entrance waiting to go in. Shortly afterwards it rained. Do bees know when its going to rain; are they sensitive to barometric pressure or something?

I was quite know that Bees make the atmosphere cleaned and healthy. It seems to be reduce most of the pollution in the air. So It was gave the way to the rain. So Rain was came through it.