New hives, go to 4 deeps?

John Pfaff · July 28, 2011, 11:19:52 AM

Started new hives in April, now three deep and full. Should I just let them rearange internally as needed for the rest of the year or do I need to add the 4th deep? I am not after honey this year, just a healthy start next spring. Opinions?
Later,
John.

FRAMEshift · July 28, 2011, 12:08:25 PM

If the bees are crowed, they will swarm.... so the first question is .... what do you mean by "full"? If there is no place for the queen to lay, either because the hive is full of brood or honey, then you have to do something. You could harvest the honey and add empty frames. That will give them space without adding a 4th box. If you have 3 solid boxes of bees, I think I would do a split. (I am assuming you are using 10 frame deep boxes) In Mississippi in July, I don't think you have a flow, so it's not necessary to just make room for additional stores.

AllenF · July 28, 2011, 05:05:20 PM

3 deeps ready for the 4th? Harvest. You can't leave that much honey there. I hope you haven't been feeding them.

uglyfrozenfish · July 29, 2011, 10:35:42 PM

Yeah, harvest either for yourself, or harvest and save it for your bees in the spring. They will love it :-D

John Pfaff · July 30, 2011, 12:00:41 PM

Haven't fed since the first month (April). I basically checkerboarded when I went to the third deep. Isn't August a little late to do walkaway splits without feeding or anything? Had a dearth from end of May to third week in June, but, since then, have had heavy pollen in the A.M, and nectar in the P.M. Source is totally unknown - no agriculture in area but pollen has remained the same - a yellowish tan or a real dull yellow.

Kathyp · July 30, 2011, 12:23:25 PM

might want to PM bud1. he is in Macon. not sure how far that is from you, but closer than many of us! he might be able to give you some suggestions on splits, etc. i wouldn't do it here, but you might be able to do it there.

FRAMEshift · July 30, 2011, 02:57:42 PM

Quote from: John Pfaff on July 30, 2011, 12:00:41 PM
Isn't August a little late to do walkaway splits without feeding or anything? Had a dearth from end of May to third week in June, but, since then, have had heavy pollen in the A.M, and nectar in the P.M. Source is totally unknown - no agriculture in area but pollen has remained the same - a yellowish tan or a real dull yellow.

If you have 3 deeps full of bees, you could still do a split. As long as you have a flow, you don't need to feed. At the end of September you can see how the stores look and feed if necessary.