I have a few very strong hives, and was thinking of splitting some. Is it a good time to do this here in Upstate SC?
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How many boxes?
Strong hives makes strong yields. Splitting just spoils the honey yield.
Quote from: Finski on June 23, 2010, 11:50:37 AM
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How many boxes?
Strong hives makes strong yields. Splitting just spoils the honey yield.
Doesn't that depend on how you do the split? If you take out the queen and a few frames of brood, honey, and pollen and leave all the foragers with the original hive, that would not decrease the honey yield would it?
Quote from: FRAMEshift on June 23, 2010, 03:41:01 PM
that would not decrease the honey yield would it?
You are right. I never know what those beginners try. After main yield you jay devide hives to whole boxes. But of course new queens need mating nucs.
Quote from: neal on June 23, 2010, 11:40:02 AM
I have a few very strong hives, and was thinking of splitting some. Is it a good time to do this here in Upstate SC?
I'm no expert, but until one comes along....... I think you ideally want to split before a big flow so that all hives have the best chance to build up before winter. In upstate SC you have a long fall season but do you have a good flow in the fall? Here in NC we have a flow on right now, but there is probably a dearth coming in a couple of weeks. If you split and then go into dearth, be sure to supply all the splits with honey and pollen from other hives.