I started my first hive from a package April 7th, they were installed in an 8 frame medium hive body with new undrawn foundation. It wasn't long and they were making great progress with comb and I was able to see eggs in the cells,soon I put a second medium on and they expanded into it really nice. When the second medium was 80% filled I put a 3rd medium on and they have been busy building comb. The one thing I have noticed is there is no eggs being layed in the 3rd only honey or stores, is this normal to have only 2 mediums for brood? Any suggestions or what I should look for.
If she needs the space she will use it. I am not sure of your requirements in number of boxes in your area or with eight frame hives in general. In comparison to ten frame I'd say three would be enough drawn out then I would stop feeding if doing so and add a fourth. Sounds like your hive is doing fine.
Yes, if your brood area is a good size. Once the third is at 80% you can add a super for your honey (so far the honey should be all theirs.) I run with all mediums but mine are 10 frames. -Mike
If the nectar flow is coming to an end often the queen will restrict her egg laying. The colony may be slowing down for the summer.
There seems to be alot of wild flowers growing in some fields close to the hives but unsure if they are the type that the bees use and she was laying like crazy for awhile so maybe what she has for space is all she needs. Will keep checking once in awhile just to keep tabs on them.
Two months after install. Most of the original bees are dead. Only two brood cycles have emerged. She is laying all the eggs that she has bees to feed and care for. As more bees emerge, she will expand the brood nest. It sounds as if you are doing fine so far.