My two packages started May 8 are progressing at different rates as I am told is common. One has drawn out only two frames and the other five. These hives sit right next to one another. Is this a situation where I should swap the hive locations such that returning foragers from the the strong hive drift into the weaker? This was recommended to me, but I am hesitant to do this for fear of screwing up the faster developing hive. If the weaker package doesn't progress well enough to last the winter, couldn't I always combine the hives and their respurces?
QuoteIs this a situation where I should swap the hive locations such that returning foragers from the the strong hive drift into the weaker?
I wouldn't do this...too much work. If nothing else, take a frame or two of eggs and capped brood from the strong hive and put them into the weaker hive. It's early yet so they still have plenty of time to build up. I have a hive that I started from a package that isn't even a full super yet. I'm leaving it alone until at least August.
QuoteIf the weaker package doesn't progress well enough to last the winter, couldn't I always combine the hives and their respurces?
Yeah, but let that be a fall activity. Like I said...it's early yet. What kind of brood boxes do you use, by the way? Mediums? I wintered a couple hives with 2 mediums last year and they did great.
These are in deeps on plastic frames. It can get farily cold here in the winter, so I would prefer two deeps full going into winter. I amy not get there with these packages, but I am hopeful that the hatching of this first brood cycle will result in a biggger work force to get to building.
You can always try feeding them a bit more too. That will result in them building more comb. The more comb the more space for the queen to lay, resulting in a larger work force.