Preparing for Winter for the First Time

[Pix]

Hello,

I just got my bees on July 1st, and I'm living right above Washington State. I've been feeding them in the last two weeks to build them up for winter. I've got minimal mites that I've put an apistan strip in to treat but I will treat with formic acid in the fall when there isn't so much brood.

The hive has two supers of brood so far, with 5 frames full of brood in the top box. Should I add another super before winter? Or will that make them too cold?

How heavy should the hive be before winter?

When should I stop feeding so that the queen stops laying?

Thanks
Pix on Pender

[Brian D. Bray]

Hello,

I just got my bees on July 1st, and I'm living right above Washington State. I've been feeding them in the last two weeks to build them up for winter. I've got minimal mites that I've put an apistan strip in to treat but I will treat with formic acid in the fall when there isn't so much brood.

Feeding might be necessary as the Islands usually experience more periods of nectar dearth than the mainland.  I'd feed until the brood chamber is backfilled and they've started to build a little burr comb.

The hive has two supers of brood so far, with 5 frames full of brood in the top box. Should I add another super before winter? Or will that make them too cold?

If you have 2 full boxes on your hive there is no need to add another for wintering, just make sure what you have is chucked full of stores.  We don't get that cold around these parts and the Islands (due to wind currents in and around the islands) doesn't get as cold as the mainland.

How heavy should the hive be before winter?

150 lbs or 60 kilos.

When should I stop feeding so that the queen stops laying?

Thanks
Pix on Pender

The queen will stop when the hive decides it's time, if you're experiencing a dearth she may have already quit.  During the winter they may keep a small Twoony sized brood area on a couple of frames at the center of the hive, then again, they might not.  Just keep a small feeder full until the 1st freeze and you should be good to go.

BTW, I'm just on the opposite side of the San Juan Islands from you, where you catch the Victoria Ferry that goes to Sidney.

[Pix]

Thanks Brian. Was going to add another super just to give the hatching brood more room but I'll see about feeding them lots instead. My queen is still laying full bore.

Cheers.

[CBEE]

Are you using deeps or mediums for brood boxes ? You say you have 2 full boxes but it makes a good bit of difference as to what type .. or did I miss that ?

[Pix]

mediums. Yes it does make quite the difference. Whadya think, should I add another medium box?