Hi , I installed my 3lb package of Italian bees 4 days ago in two 10 frame mediums as advised by the person I bought my equipment from. This afternoon I removed the queen cage and all the bees are in the top box and there is nothing in the bottom box except a little comb around the queen cage. My question should I remove the bottom box and just go with one like I'm seeing most people recommend on here or just leave them be?
So they released the queen??
Yes the queen is out and on the top medium frames , it was a little cool this afternoon , around 62, so assume they were bunching up in the top for heat, but there appears to be no work in the bottom one at all
If she is laying I think you'll be fine just leaving them alone. It won't take long to fill those frames.
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Thanks for the advice , think I'm going to just leave them alone and check on them in another week or so
Welcome. I agree that the empty bottom box should not be a problem. This time of year they will get to it pretty quick.
What is in the bottom medium? Is it wax foundation, empty frames or were you given drawn foundation.
3# of bees is just enough to cover one medium. Where you are you probably have small hive beetles (SHB).
If you have empty or wax foundation they will probably be ok but it gives the SHB's lots of places to hide and wait for a chance to take over the hive.
If it is drawn foundation, remove it right away, the wax moths will destroy it, especially if it is old comb.
Jim
No need to leave the box on ... remove it and add it later..bee work better at times in a smaller space. ie. A five frame nuc etc will draw comb faster than a ten frame hive
It's all new equipment with wax foundation, we do have small hive beetles, but I do have a freeman beetle trap bottom , this is my first hive and just trying to avoid problems, I may just take a look in it today it's gonna be in the 70s so maybe they won't be so clustered
Well I went and opened hive and they were very active today but all still in the top so I carefully removed the bottom box , will give them a week or so and check their progress, thanks for everyone's advise
Steve
too much space can be intimidating. I have usually found that they do better at getting the frames drawn when they are only asked to do it one box at a time. Once they get seven or so frames basically drawn, then add the next box on top for them to start working on.
Depending on your flow, it may also be beneficial to feed them. I use a feeder jar or gal paint can with only three to four tiny holes in it, over the inner cover hole. This way they can get the syrup and use it to build wax, (But not get enough of it to stash in the combs) even if the flow is not in full swing yet. if you notice that they are beginning to store nectar/syrup in the cells, then pull the syrup off and let them have at it!
Sgtoddinms,
I want to start mine similar to youres when it gets warmer. Good question for this guy. I'll be watching you!
Thanks
Art
It will be less disruption right now if you leave the box and less disruption is good in the early stages of them getting settled and established.