combining 2 weak hives into 1 strong hive

[Algonam]

I would like to start preparing for the possibility that both hives are weak and that I have to combine the 2 to make a good strong hive this Spring.
We were at a seminar this weekend where this was discussed and I'd like to read up on it a bit more. Any and all info is appreciated.
(maybe I will be pleasantly surprised with 2 overflowing mite free hives!!! yeah right....)

[Michael Bush]

What race are they?  How big is the cluster?  It would be a shame to waste a queen if you don't need to.  This is when they will be the smallest.

[Finski]

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It is better to see them first and then think.

I another hive is normal size and is able make a normal build up, you soon get a frame of brood to help the tiny one.

If you have one hive, and queen meets accident, you have nothing.
Spare hive is good.


You should first know how many frames hives occupye.
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[Algonam]

They are Carnolean.
I haven't checked them...just making assumptions and wanting to be prepared.
Still 2 feet of snow and more coming tonight, so it isn't time to check yet.

[Finski]

They are Carnolean.
I haven't checked them...just making assumptions and wanting to be prepared.
Still 2 feet of snow and more coming tonight, so it isn't time to check yet.

I have several those small colonies. I have opened all hives an looked do they have food for next month.
To four small colonies I installed electrict heating.

They have not yet done cleansing flight. Nothing more can be done in this situation.

I have 65 cm snow in the yard and it will melt in April. .
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[BlueBee]

Interesting Finski.  I am still debating rather to use electric heat this spring or not.  My poly hives and nucs seem to be overflowing with bees this winter so I may skip the electric.

I thought you reported before that electric really boosted your big hives but did not have much effect on building up a small colony?  

Algonam, In the past, my small spring colonies took forever to build up.  However I think I would take Michael's advice as opposed to thinking about a combine.  You don't want to needlessly throw out a queen.  Ideally at least 1 hive will do a good job of brooding up frames.  You can then move frames of brood to the other to really get it going if needed.    

[Finski]

 My poly hives and nucs seem to be overflowing with bees this winter so I may skip the electric.

You do as you like.

Interesting is that the biggest colonies get the biggest advantage from heating + patty feeding.

But if your hives burst out, for God's sake, add boxes! They will swarm before the snow melts.

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