HI guys
I was wondering how long it takes for the hives to build up? Say I have 4 med 8 frame, & I put in my package in April, how long till they fill up 2, 3 then 4? Do they do em 1 x 1 or scatter? I know there are thousands of variables but if I get the fastest & slowest it gives some idea.. Am deciding how much to get to last me through the summer & into their 1st winter. Also am thinking of small cell, if I put the 5.1 in my new hives will the bees adapt? Then move to 4.9 next year, then frameless? I know you have probably answered these questions already but I need em in 1 place...already am getting "the look" being on here so much reading!! :roll:
Thanx
Jody
Not sure about the timing thing....but I can relate to the "LOOK". My wife just walks by and shakes her head.
Mike
I live in MA so this info is from what I have experienced here. I think in WA you might have more moderate climate so that will obviously have an impact. I use 10 frame deep supers and when I start new colonies I add my second super in June or July and then a honey super (shallow) in late summer to get the late season flow. I have never had the need for a fourth super in the first year of a colony.
depends on the year and the bees. year before last, mine went from package to 3 deep and honey supers by the end of the season. last year, i was lucky to fill two deeps and got no honey. one hive wintered over in just one deep.
for our area, you are usually good if you have two deeps (if that is what you are using) and one or two honey supers per hive. you may or may not need them. you probably also want to keep at least one extra set up for swarms that you might have or get.
It varies greatly. I've seen a package fill out most of eight medium frames in two weeks. I've seen them take twice that long or even longer. But I'd be looking in on them in two weeks.
Weather plays a big part in how well or fast a package can develop with lots of rain or a drought the bees either can't get out to gather the nectar or there is little to no nectar in the forage available. I would say if you hive a package in 8 frame mediums that to get it to 4 boxes by Labor Day would be doing okay. That is figuring on feeding only for the 1st box.