Newbee Winter question.

[MT204]

Have built some nice new stands, slatted  and screened bottom boards. Would there be a problem installing them on existing hives during the winter months? I'm up here in northern Montana.

[Vance G]

It would be better in my opinion if you wait til April or May.  What would be the advantage in doing it sooner?

[backyard warrior]

Wait till spring when you do a inspection.  I wouldnt disturb the cluster chances are nothing would come of it but if you would knock the cluster loose you could lose the hive.  If you use screened bottom boards be sure to close them up in the late fall and make sure you put a piece of plastic or tape on all the edges to prevent cold wind and air getting into the hive its hard for the bees to establish brood in the late winter they have to keep the brood warm and with open bottom boards they cant raise lots of brood because they cant keep it warm so they raise less resulting in a smaller population in spring. Chris

[T Beek]

Yep, leave them alone for a bit yet, you still have some winter coming.

t

[applebwoi]

It is always tempting to go out and do something as soon as the weather permits but actually there is no hurry and nothing to gain.  Like the others said, wait a while.

[backyard warrior]

You hear alot about reversing brood boxes dont get too excited about doing that the bees will do it own their own as they grow in size. Doing this in early spring will cause a harship on the bees why?? Puting your brood down by the bottom board makes it hard for the bees to keep the brood warm /  heat rises  :evil: