Temperature and cutouts.

Ollie · March 13, 2011, 11:04:28 AM

Does anyone have anything to recommend on doing cut outs and what the minimum temperature at which it can be done?

This one is in an old silo, behind some plaster and lath.
Temps expected to be lower 40s

wadehump · March 13, 2011, 11:16:17 AM

i would wait at least 2-3 more weeks if you can . i dont like to do cut outs untill drones are starting to fly. i you dont get the queen or she is killed at least you will have some eggs to start a new queen with. genetics from cutouts that winter well in your area are key. :)

vmmartin · March 13, 2011, 11:18:55 AM

I am still in my first year and had the same question around the beginning of December. I had a cutout to do in an old building that was going to be demolished in late January. I did not have the option of waiting until spring. I went and did it kind of like just a honey salvage project....maybe they make it, maybe not. Anyway, temps were in the lower 60's when we started and lower 40's when we finished. The bees were very angry off at the fact of the removal. Several stings for me and my buddy. However, they made it through with very little attention necessary (just a little feeding in Feb). My limited experience and advice would be wait for warmer temps if possible. But if you can't wait for whatever reason, go for it and learn what happens.

Kathyp · March 13, 2011, 11:27:12 AM

wait. it will be easier on you and the bees if you can do it when it's warmer and when, as wadehump has said, they have more resources to overcome disaster. :-)

phil c · March 13, 2011, 11:29:53 AM

Wait if you can, warm is best. Regardless of the temp when you do it go in with a plan and stick to it.

Brian D. Bray · March 13, 2011, 10:06:28 PM

The longer you can wait towards late April to early May the better the chances of successfully capturing a cut out. There will be warmer weather, more bees, more stores, but most importantly there will be more brood. Don't worry about the combs of honey, concentrate on cutting out and placing (tying or rubberbanding) the brood combs into the empty frames. That way they have a chance to create a new queen (possibly of feral stock) if the queen is missed, killed, or absconds during the cut out process.

hankdog1 · March 13, 2011, 10:16:46 PM

speaking from experience wait if you can. i did one where the temps were in the lower 50's didn't have a choice about it chilled the brood and they absconded on me. did get the queen saw her in the box so i know it had to be because of the low temps.

Ollie · March 14, 2011, 12:36:48 PM

OK I will wait.
I think it's too cold, I was worried about breaking the combs and not being able to put them in a box..
Too risky. I agree.
Thanks for the feedback :-)