Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: PeeVee on July 10, 2011, 08:28:54 AM

Title: splits in the North East
Post by: PeeVee on July 10, 2011, 08:28:54 AM
Good morning,
I had intended to make some splits toward the end of June but that didn't happen. Now I'm wondering how late splits can be done here in the North East?
Title: Re: splits in the North East
Post by: AllenF on July 10, 2011, 09:12:57 AM
As late as the drones are flying if you are making your own queens.
Title: Re: splits in the North East
Post by: windfall on July 10, 2011, 11:07:57 AM
Here in Vt, both Michael Palmer and Kirk Webster recommend July as the best time for splitting off a Nuc to over winter...they even do them in August. They are adding their own mated queens, so You might want to add a few weeks if your letting them make their own.

I just did 2 but I didn't have a choice as the hive was packed in capped swarm cells.
Certainly still lots of drones flying around here.
Title: Re: splits in the North East
Post by: bassman1977 on July 10, 2011, 11:31:44 AM
I did a walk-away split last week (July 4 if I recall).  I often hear that July is the time to do it although I try to make the beginning of July the last chance for splitting.  Personally, I think August is too late and wouldn't do that myself, but if others are having success that late, give it a try.
Title: Re: splits in the North East
Post by: PeeVee on July 10, 2011, 09:27:23 PM
Thanks to all.

I do plan on feeding as long as possible hoping they will build up well.

Had two swarms out of my yard i the las couple weeks. One I captured and one I did not - stormed a few minutes after discovery and foolishly went to work the next day (they left as soon as they dried out  :'(