In anticipation for preparing for winter I have several new-bee questions (by the way I have 2 deep hive bodies):
1. Do the bees genearlly cluster within the lower hive body in the fall? Or do they cluster where they want? If they end up being in the upper hive body, I assume I should move them to the lower?
2. In the lower hive body, should I move the capped frames as close as possible to the cluster?
3. In the upper hive body, should I move the capped frames of honey towards the center so that as they move up it will be where they need it?
Thanks
>1. Do the bees genearlly cluster within the lower hive body in the fall? Or do they cluster where they want? If they end up being in the upper hive body, I assume I should move them to the lower?
Mine generally cluster in the top box all fall and winter. If they start in the bottom they quickly move to the top. It think it's because it's warmer there.
>2. In the lower hive body, should I move the capped frames as close as possible to the cluster?
The bees put the food there. Do you think they remember where they left it? Will it confuse them if you move it?
Mike...you had me rolling on the floor laughing REALLY hard...Would love to meet you some day...