I have two nucs that are doing fine but will not make honey this year. They fill a deep and about three frames of the second deep. I was considering splitting one or more up into nucs again, putting in some queens from a local producer and allowing one to raise their own. Is it too late to do this? Our flow is slowing and will stop in 2-3 weeks. I am not averse to feeding. I could alternatively see if they make it through the winter and split in late March and perhaps accomplish the same thing. Any thoughts or experiences that help?
If the idea is to build up the number of bees, you will get more bees with two laying queens than one. And you will get more bees by starting now than starting in March. Yes, I think you have time to bring a nuc up to winter survival status, but if you don't have some honey stores to give them you will have to do some feeding. If you feed a weak hive, you are inviting robbing. One alternative is to feed the stronger hive and then transfer capped reserves to the weaker hive.
Quote from: FRAMEshift on June 29, 2011, 11:26:39 PM
If you feed a weak hive, you are inviting robbing. One alternative is to feed the stronger hive and then transfer capped reserves to the weaker hive.
I am probably about to jinx myself :-D I have feed in dearth with a jar top feeder and never had any robbing issues. Just dont spill the syrup when placing it on top of the hive.
I am also thinking of splitting my big hive after harvest (this weekend! YAY). I was planning on doing a walk away. I am also not adverse to feeding, and figure I would need to since we are heading into dearth (if we aren't there already.) Since GA is pretty mild fall/winter (hopefully this year), I feel like they would have time to build up for winter if I split them this weekend.
If I didn't want to feed, how many frames of our capped honey would you think I'd need to save for each split to get them to September-October?
Any other thoughts/advice/warnings about this plan?
BTW, the Mississippi queens seem to be doing well. Building up into their second medium. Still kind of pissy. Bud, why aren't you teaching those girls manners over there ?? :evil:
love,
ziffa
Strong splits housed with the amount of space they can protect. If not SHB doomed :( This is now the worse time of the year for SHB!
Quote from: ziffabeek on June 30, 2011, 09:48:32 AM
If I didn't want to feed, how many frames of our capped honey would you think I'd need to save for each split to get them to September-October?
Depends on how many bees are in each split, how bad the dearth is, and how long the dearth lasts. I would say you want the equivalent of one full frame of honey for each 10 frames of bees. Then you will need to check on their food situation every few weeks to make sure they aren't starving. If the bee population is declining during the dearth you will be ok. If there is lots of new brood being laid, you might have to feed more.
Thanks Frameshift! That gives me the ball park I was looking for. :)
And sc, yes it is a bad time for SB. My girls seem to do ok against them, but it is always a good reminder to be watchful when splitting. Thanks!
love,
ziffa