Installing 3 pkgs today can I use any say 10% from each to boost weaker hive?

[hollybees]

Hello Everyone,

I'm installing 3 packages of Italians today and re-queening a weak hive.
Is it possible to use some of the new package bees to boost the weak hive?
If I left 10% of each package in the each box for a day would the present packaged queen's pheromones be reduced enough to add them into the weak hive or is that just a bad idea.

I do have a couple of stronger hives that I could just move some brood to it, but the new bees would ramp up faster.

Your thoughts
Thanks,
Paul

[Kathyp]

don't weaken your packages by taking bees.  it will take them time to build up anyway.  if you want to boost the weak hive, take a frame of capped brood and pop it in. 

[luvin honey]

Thanks for the question, Paul, as it's one I have, too :)  Unfortunately, I'm getting the answer 1 day too late. I'm hoping for some drift into my failing hive AND for my new girls to ramp up production super fast in time to pull some brood combs over to the failing hive. I wish you the best luck in saving your hive!

[hollybees]

don't weaken your packages by taking bees.  it will take them time to build up anyway.  if you want to boost the weak hive, take a frame of capped brood and pop it in. 

Thanks, kathyp I was just heading out to install them so I'm happy hear from you.  :-D
I will do as you advise.

Paul

[hollybees]

Thanks for the question, Paul, as it's one I have, too :)  Unfortunately, I'm getting the answer 1 day too late. I'm hoping for some drift into my failing hive AND for my new girls to ramp up production super fast in time to pull some brood combs over to the failing hive. I wish you the best luck in saving your hive!

Yeah, I sounded good to use them to help ramp it up, but I totally see the logic not to.
I hope your hive makes it too, thanks for the input.

Paul