Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Mamichi on May 19, 2010, 10:40:50 PM

Title: Newbie question regarding supers....
Post by: Mamichi on May 19, 2010, 10:40:50 PM
Hey all, we have two bee hives (8 frame English Garden style) and each came with two medium supers. We are getting our bees some time within the next week.

My question is- Do we introduce the package bees into one super or two? I realize they will eventually need 2 (maybe 3) supers for brood boxes, but just not sure how to start the hive out.

Thanks in advance,

:) Mamichi
Title: Re: Newbie question regarding supers....
Post by: harvey on May 19, 2010, 10:56:29 PM
Start them in one medium and wait till they have six frames drawn out before you put the second box on.  You want to keep the space as small enough that the bee's can keep it warm.  They will draw it out quicker to if it is smaller.  Once 6 out of the 8 are drawn out then you add another box.
Title: Re: Newbie question regarding supers....
Post by: iddee on May 19, 2010, 11:03:24 PM
I prefer to add another box when 7 or more frames are covered with adult bees, regardless of how many frames are drawn out.
Title: Re: Newbie question regarding supers....
Post by: Michael Bush on May 20, 2010, 12:24:15 AM
One.
Title: Re: Newbie question regarding supers....
Post by: Mamichi on May 21, 2010, 11:11:05 PM
thanks, all! :)