Drifting? Newbee problems

Paul_B · May 30, 2015, 06:39:05 PM

This is my first season beekeeping. I have two hives, started from packages April 21st. One hive is painted cream the other gray. Both have identifying marks above the entrance. Two weeks ago at my last inspection both hives were on equal ground, eggs and larvae and capped brood in both hives. 75% of both lower deeps were drawn so I added an upper to both, and continued to feed both. Today, one hive is bustling with activity, and has the upper deep about 50% drawn with tons of nectar, while the other hive as hardly touched the upper deep and has significantly less bees.

The hives are located side by side. Are they drifting from hive to the other? If so what can I do to correct this?

buzzbee · May 30, 2015, 06:58:06 PM

If they are drifting ,you could swap them places to equalize the foragers.
Is there still a queen and brood in the weaker hive?

Paul_B · May 30, 2015, 07:07:15 PM

I didn't spot the queen but I did see eggs, larva and capped brood.

When is the best time to move them around, night or day?

AliciaH · May 30, 2015, 07:11:31 PM

Did you move a couple frames up from the first deep when you added the second? That helps get them moving up there.

Paul_B · May 30, 2015, 07:34:43 PM

No I didn't move any frames. I'll definitely do that the next time I open up the hive. Thanks!

richter1978 · May 30, 2015, 09:29:34 PM

I had the same thing happen with 2 nucs, one moved up to the second box no problem, the other one stayed small, never moved up and swarmed. That was before I learned what Alicia recommended. Good luck!

GSF · June 02, 2015, 08:25:06 PM

Paul, the best time to move them is mid day-ish if you're wanting the forgers to populate the week hive.