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Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => TOP BAR HIVES - WARRE HIVES - LONG HIVES => Topic started by: mtbe on October 01, 2009, 09:31:48 PM

Title: Sharing honey between hives
Post by: mtbe on October 01, 2009, 09:31:48 PM
I have three TB Hives.  One is doing great.  Lots of honey stores, about 7 - 8 bars full of honey, about 8-9 full of brood and a bit-o-honey.

The other two maybe have one bar full of honey each, and 9-11 bars of brood a a bit-o-honey.

I was planning on leaving the honey for the bees over winter, and not feed them.  But, looks like I might have to feed.

But..., can I take 4 bars from the first hive, and put 2 bars in each of the other? 

Would that be enough for the winter?  Hive dimensions are 14" across top, 8" across bottom, 1.5" wide bar.
Title: Re: Sharing honey between hives
Post by: Michael Bush on October 01, 2009, 09:34:37 PM
Yes you will need to feed them.  Even if you steal some honey, that's not really enough for all three hives.
Title: Re: Sharing honey between hives
Post by: mtbe on October 13, 2009, 02:32:08 PM
Okay, feeding two hives...

Are the 7-8 bars FULL of honey able to winter the one hive, or will I need to feed them also?

Yes, I know I have to be sure they are at one end of the hive at the beginning of the winter season.
Title: Re: Sharing honey between hives
Post by: Michael Bush on October 13, 2009, 08:13:39 PM
For every comb covered with bees you should have two of capped honey to feed them.  Well, that's here.  I don't know about there, but I'd guess it's about the same.
Title: Re: Sharing honey between hives
Post by: mtbe on October 14, 2009, 10:30:30 AM
Wow.  That's a lot of honey to keep in the hive.  It is so tempting to take it and feed candy over the winter.

I will resist since I have already made candy board to fit in the hives.

Thanks for the advice!!!
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