Folks, I had a hive die this winter and am waiting for my new 4lb package to arrive from Hardemans.
The hive consists of 2 hive bodies the lower is empty while the upper has appx. 10 frames full of honey. How should I install? Reverse hive bodies and install in upper empty? Leave as they are and install? What are your thoughts? My initial thought is leave things as they are and the bees will figure it out but would like yal's input. Brad
I'd drop them in on one deep and feed. I wouldn't give them too much space. I'd give them the super, upside down over a queen excluder once they're established. Add the 2nd deep when you feel they need it. That's my 2 cents but it may be overpriced.
I would probably remove the honey super, dump them into the empty super and attach the queen cage in the empty super (like installing any package) then place the honey super on top. You do not have to feed as they have enough to eat with all that honey.
If you have SHB in your area, remove the empty deep and install in the one with honey. If you don't have SHB, then you can just install in the bottom deep. Either way, reduce to entrance. You have 4 weeks before the first young bee emerges, then another week or two before they begin to fly.
I would worry about SHB. But if you keep an eye on them, I think they will grow well this spring and on all that drawn comb and honey.
I have heard that there is SHB in the area however these are all honey supercell frames(All the frames are fully drawn plastic comb) and have never seen any sign of SHB or moths. Also since there is a full hive body of honey available on top and laying space on bottom is there a chance of supering this first year? as I am a fall feeder and will feed them up in late fall? Thank's, Brad
Feed all year and super it, too? Are you going to harvest sugar honey?
No I don't feed all year I feed them in the fall only and it carries them through the winter. I don't spring feed. Brad
OK. Sorry I misunderstood.