Hive Inspections

[leechmann]

I am new to the bee world and am learning on the fly. I have had two of my hives swarm approx. 3 weeks ago. I was told that after we had gotten our nuc's delivered in the spring, we had to watch the hives for approx the fisrst 6 weeks to prevent swarmimg. Then I was told that you start stacking the supers on and sit back and watch the honey coming in. Right now, my hives are made up of 2 deeps and 3 or 4 medium supers on them. Things are looking great. I am concerned that my best hive, which has 5 meds. on it, may be getting ready to swarm. Should a guy pull the supers off and inspect the brood area and look for queen cells. Or should I just let whats ever going to happen take its course. I think the reason by other two hives that did swarm, swarmed, was that it brood area became honey bound. If that the case what should I do to prevent this?


Thanks for your answers in advance.

Leechmann

[riverrat]

what makes you think the hive is getting ready to swarm. 5 mediums should be more than enough are all 5 mediums drawn comb there are other issues that will cause swarming or absconding other than congestion