Making Splits

[leechmann]

Hoping the bees survive the winter and looking ahead to the spring, I will be looking to make splits for the first time. I'm pondering all sorts of questions, not sure where to start. Keeping in mind that I live in Northern MN, and my bees are down south right now, Should I make splits down in KS and transport them north that way, or should I haul them home the way they are and then  split them? Should I split them into single deep boxes or should I make NUC boxes and start them in there, thinking they might be warmer in there. Should I keep the 1 year old queens with half of the hives or should I purchase all new queens? Any and all information is appreciated.

Thank You,  Leechmann

[Acebird]

 

Keeping in mind that I live in Northern MN, and my bees are down south right now,

Just a thought but I think you will be better off if you don't move the bees around.  Either keep them in the south or keep them in the north.

[iddee]

Sorry, Acebird, but you are out of your league here. Most large beeks winter their bees in the south, then move them north where the honey is more plentiful. Many of them can get 2, or even 3 harvests that way.

I would split in the south if the equip. is already there. Then let then sit a week or two to get settled before moving them.

I would not replace 1 year old queens.

[leechmann]

Thanks Iddee, I think that is the way I'm leaning. Maybe I can work it out so I can spend ten days down there. I'll split the hives and get them feeding and then move them, say a week or so later.

[Acebird]

Sorry I thought he was a new beek with one or two hives.  I wouldn't expect a commercial operator not knowing what to do.

[iddee]

We have a guy here local that kept bees for 2 years before buying 400 hives and begin raising queens and selling nucs.

You just never know about people.