Apis Cerana Hive Split

[Wolfcellist]

Hi!

Does anyone know here if hive splitting for cerana is possible???

[Michael Bush]

Yes it is possible.  It may be tricky though since they like to abscond...

[Wolfcellist]

I see, is the process the same as mellifera bees?

[Michael Bush]

The basic logistics are the same.  But even with mellifera it took me years to do a split really well.  Looking at the time of year the current weather for that year, the state of the hive and then make a good decision on whether to split them and how strong to make the split.  My guess is that cerana will be a whole new system to look at and make those judgement.  And those judgement have as much to do with success or failure as the basic mechanics of it.  I'd try to find a local beekeeper who keeps them and, though they could be wrong, it's a starting point...  All I know about cerana is what I have read and heard from people who keep them.

[Wolfcellist]

Thank you I will try to do my best!

[GSF]

Keep a diary on them and keep us posted.