I've got a very strong hive that I've just recently added a super to. I'm very new at this and very nervous that the hive will swarm and I'll end up with a weak hive, no honey, etc. I'd also like to have more than the two hives that I currently have, so splitting is an attractive option for me.
I checked this hive 5 days ago, and there were no queen cells, but also not a ton of larvae either. We have had crummy weather to say the least, so we are just about to get a big flow from the blackberries. Everything I've read (my head is about to burst), says to only check the hives about every two weeks.
1. Is there a chance that my hive will swarm before my next two week check up?
2. Should I just proactively split the hive and remove the super?
3. Should I just relax and split the hive after this big flow is in full gear and I've got a good frame of brood to move into the single deep that I plan on using?
Lots of questions, I know!
Thanks for the help.
i choose door number 3
Ya, keep a super on them and get this years honey out of them. Just make sure they have plenty of room. Splits can be made after the honey flow.
1st of all relax..I know it's alot to digest when your new.... Been there! still am but to a lesser degree.
These folks will help u with all of your concerns and their very good.
Be warned though there are alot of different opinions and that's the best part, you just have to pick one that feel right to you.
I used to be so freaked out by the swarming issue.
Truth is if it happens well it's not the end you can downsize the hive and reduce entrance, you'll deal with.
Personally, I like to keep a strong hive strong.
look at this website there are very good methods to read about a wealth of good common sense advise.
http://www.bushfarms.com/beesswarmcontrol.htm (http://www.bushfarms.com/beesswarmcontrol.htm)
However as I said there are real pros on this forum to help you...you'll see!
Good luck, your going to love beekeeping!
Paul
First, an understanding of swarming would help.
If bees decide to swarm.....
The cell is capped 5 days after they start building the swarm cell.
Once capped, swarming is almost never stopped. The queen, soon after the cell is capped, stops being fed as much, her egg production is stopped, and she loses the weight to make her flight easier. She may leave as much as 5 or 6 days before the first queen emerges or she may hold off (like with bad weather, etc.) until the day before, or even hours prior.
A queen will develop in 12 days from start to emerging of the queen.
So your question about choice #1 should be very clear. The answer is yes.
>>>>Everything I've read (my head is about to burst), says to only check the hives about every two weeks. <<<<
Forget that. The time of year, weather, purpose of checking, etc., will determine how often. Inspect them every two weeks in Dec. and Jan. and you will kill them. Wait 2 weeks between inspections in the spring and early summer and you will miss many problems until it is too late.
Inspect as often as you have reason to go into them. Curiosity is not a reason, it is an excuse. :-*
You may go months without opening them, and you may open them 3 times in one week. Learn to read the front porch activities and know your time tables. It will come to you as time goes by.
Mr. iddee,
I like the way you talk!
Steve
It's not me. It's mother nature. She sets the schedule, we have to learn to follow it.