Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: Hi-Tech on June 13, 2006, 12:35:51 AM

Title: How late is too late?
Post by: Hi-Tech on June 13, 2006, 12:35:51 AM
I am putting in 2 more italian packages tomorrow. Does anyone know what is the absolute latest one can start a package hive and still make it through winter (even if I have to feed through winter)?
Title: How late is too late?
Post by: ctsoth on June 13, 2006, 12:43:10 AM
Well, if you have additional hives that you can bring brood in from, I would think that you are fine.
Title: How late is too late?
Post by: latebee on June 13, 2006, 01:40:25 AM
If we follow the old beekeeping poem about swarms-------
            A swarm in May is worth a load of hay
             A swarm in June is worth a silver spoon
               A swarm in July aint worth a fly--
  I think we can apply this to package bees as well,so there is still time according to this to be succesful.
Title: How late is too late?
Post by: Brian D. Bray on June 13, 2006, 06:37:28 AM
I've very seldom had a June swarm fail to be prepared enough to winter even when hiving them on foundation without feeding.  If they fail it is usually from some other reason, mainly parasites or disease.
Title: How late is too late?
Post by: Michael Bush on June 13, 2006, 08:43:50 AM
Here, I'd say Early August is the latest I'd expect them to be likely to build up for winter.  Not that one might not manage later.  I'd let them try and combine if they don't.
Title: How late is too late?
Post by: Hi-Tech on June 13, 2006, 10:36:00 AM
Good idea MB, i could always combine them if they weren't ready. The reason I am asking is I may be able to get quite a few packages at a low price next month. I just wanted to be sure I could get them ready for what little winter we have here...