any harm in taking honey now?

[Delmer]

Finally had a warm day here and checked my hive for the first time since Nov.  The hive consists of two deeps. 

In Nov the top was full of honey (10 frames) and the bottom had capped brood and a bunch of bees.

Opened it up today- just to peek in.  Lo and behold still have 10 frames of honey in top box.  I wasn't really planning on taking it too far apart (ie. checking the bottom box), but since there weren't many bees in the hive-  I'm going to go back later today to see if the queen is in there and laying any eggs.

My question is this-  is there any harm in taking the honey out?  I was afraid to harvest any last year for fear they would not make it through the winter.  I have a top feeder that I could put on there.

Thanks

Danny

[D Coates]

If you took it how much do they have left in the rest of the hive?  If they've got a decent amount go ahead and take it.  It's your decision.  You never know when a winter storm may hit so you want them to have reserves in case of a late winter storm.

[Kathyp]

did you feed in the fall?  if you did, that honey may not be worth taking for yourself.

[Delmer]

I did feed in the fall- so it might not be worth it.  :shock:   Is there a way to tell if its honey or sugar water while its capped?  I was just going to take 5-6 frames out of the top box and replace the frames with foundation- and put the feeder back on top.

I found the queen (marked from last year) but absolutely no eggs or capped brood, and not many bees - alot less than I expected. I may be sunk anyway

[doak]

You should have some brood and eggs, even if it is only drone. Better keep your eye on this one. :)doak

[RayMarler]

Does she have room to lay, or are they filling the cells with nectar even in the bottom box?
Try putting the  box of honey on bottom, pollen patty on top of it, then the remaining box on top with queen, then a super. It just may make them take off.  Pollen patty to promote brood rearing, honey on bottom needs to be removed by bees and put in top. Gives everyone in the hive something to do with pollen for brood rearing and space to store above.

[riverrat]

i wouldnt take any of the stores you have. If she has room to lay they will blow thru them stores in a hurry