I installed my 3 lb package on May 10. They haven't received a single frame of drawn foundation - everything has been new. They have been fed about 20 lbs of sugar water with termination of that a long time ago.
I've taken one medium super of honey from them. They have filled about 92% of 3 additional medium supers. In other words, within a week, they will have drawn foundation and filled 1 deep and 4 medium supers.
It seems awfully late to add another. (southeastern Missouri) Should I take another medium away from them and give them more fresh foundation this late in the year? I use crush and strain so I can't give them drawn foundation. What happens in mid-September if they are out of room for honey, which they will be?
If I give them another medium and they only half fill it, how will that affect their wintering? Would I need to remove that super before winter?
Thanks!
Mike
what a horrible problem to have!! :evil:
you will probably want to leave 2 meds on for winter in addition to the deep. you can try putting on another and see what happens. the worst will be that you'll have to remove it for winter. how much brood space is there? if you are adding another, i would add it under the filled (with honey) mediums, but not break the brood nest.
the key to making the decision is to be aware of the space needs for brood. if the queen has plenty of room to lay still, i would not add.
how long until first frost?
The average first frost here is Nov 1. It's been a good while since I've been down into the brood chamber (the only deep).
probably a good idea to see what's going on in there. this is the time of the year to make sure you have a queen, no disease, etc. they will be testy with you around the honey. be prepared to smoke 'em.
you may yet have time for more honey depending on your fall flow. if you only get a partial super, take it for you. if they draw it and don't fill it, save it for next year. if you want to save any to feed back, freeze the frames.
They are definitely testy. I got hammered by a couple a few days ago while just watching them from a couple feet. My first stings all year. They apparently are remembering that I took a medium from them 3 weeks ago.
I will check out the brood deep. Thanks for the advice! (my internet has hardly worked all day today - I'm lucky to get back on tonight)
Mike
I'm in South Centeral Mo.
I use all mediums, I over winter my Russians with 3 full mediums, in the spring I generaly have around 3/4 of a box of honey that is left.
Most around here use 2 full size boxes for winter, however some only use a single full and seem to make it
most of the time.
Oh, bees can't remember 3 week they have a short memory, also a short life span, in 3 week half of your bees would be dead, the remainder would have been youngens then, plus newbees.
Finally some rain last night and this morning.
Bee-Bop
i would keep at least one medium of honey and would lean heavily on 2. i overwinter with 2 deeps I am straight west of you in Kansas andcan say i usually end up feeding in the spring