We just harvested our two hives that can be harvested down to the brood chambers. I was told today that I should add an empty super to take advantage of honey production that is still available. I am never against more honey, but I do not want it at the risk of the bees not having enough for winter. Will they fill my super at the expense of backfilling the brood nest with stores, or should I put a super on to get a bit more? I am leaning towards leaving them down to the brood nest so that they fill completely with honey before winter, but as I am still quite new to this, I do not tend to trust my leanings.
check and see what they have stored. then you can make a decision, or we can give you a better idea.
I don't know what your honey flow is like there, but from what I have learned over the years on this forum, it is always good to leave enough honey for the bees to get through the winter first, then you can take anything over that amount. Sometimes the honeyflow doesn't pan out like you thought.
Quote from: Pond Creek Farm on August 11, 2009, 10:16:18 PM
We just harvested our two hives that can be harvested down to the brood chambers. I was told today that I should add an empty super to take advantage of honey production that is still available. I am never against more honey, but I do not want it at the risk of the bees not having enough for winter. Will they fill my super at the expense of backfilling the brood nest with stores, or should I put a super on to get a bit more? I am leaning towards leaving them down to the brood nest so that they fill completely with honey before winter, but as I am still quite new to this, I do not tend to trust my leanings.
I would always give the plenty of growing room until it gets about 60%. Crowdind will make them swarm.
I currently have a super on right now. The top deep brood box is full and very heavy, There are three frames in the bottom deep that are not drawn out, 1,9 and 10. I live in the thumb area of michigan. I believe we will golden rod blooming for the next four weeks or so. Should I pull the super? This is my first year so I have no idea of wintering. I have heard that I want 100 to 150 lbs to winter these bee's. I think right now the top is at least 75 lbs! I couldn't believe how heavy it was!
I quit when the goldenrod blooms.