When should (or could) you split hives?

[rubeehaven2]

This is my first winter with bees.  Got 2 hives, and both appear to be doing well thus far.  Even with the cold upstate NY winter!  I started feeding last week when we had a bit of a warm spell, and both hives looked strong.  (One more so than the other) 

My question is, (if they survive the rest of the winter), is it okay to split a first year hive?  Or, should I give it a second year to insure it's strong enough? 

Rich

[edward]

Yes its ok

To split you need queens to the new hive or drones in the air so they can mate with the new virgin queen



mvh edward  :-P

[buzzbee]

If the hive is strong and you have a good nectar flow,it may split whether you want it to or not.It is a balance act in timing so you do not lose too many field bees and lose honey production.
Be careful of syrup in cold weather. dry feeding only,when it's cold. If they have heavy boxes I would not bother feeding.