Another split question

Sean Kelly · June 11, 2007, 02:18:25 PM

Been thinking of splitting my hive. Is this a good idea since I just installed the hive back in April from a 3# package? They have 2 deeps completely drawn and FULL of brood. Will I still get honey if I split? Should I let them make a queen or should I order a B.Weaver queen?

Thanks again guys!

Sean Kelly

doak · June 11, 2007, 02:24:09 PM

If you have a good necter flow on or coming you should get at least one super from the mother hive.
doak

Sean Kelly · June 11, 2007, 05:43:28 PM

Quote from: doak on June 11, 2007, 02:24:09 PM
If you have a good necter flow on or coming you should get at least one super from the mother hive.
doak

So is that a no on doing a split? I think I read somewhere (and of course I can't find where) that doing a split to a hive installed from a package in the same year could be bad. I'm not sure if I should just keep them like they are and add supers or go with a split.

Sean Kelly

Michael Bush · June 11, 2007, 10:12:59 PM

With two deeps full, yes you could do a split. I wouldn't count on any honey, but you may get two good hives going into winter.

Sean Kelly · June 12, 2007, 12:18:45 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on June 11, 2007, 10:12:59 PM
With two deeps full, yes you could do a split. I wouldn't count on any honey, but you may get two good hives going into winter.

Cool Thanks! I'm gunna do it!!!

Now what about a queen? Should I buy one (been keeping an eye on the B. Weaver queens for disease resistance) or just let em make their own?

Sean Kelly

Michael Bush · June 12, 2007, 08:02:34 AM

Buying one will put you several days ahead.

Do the math.

If you do a split today without one, in 24 days you'll have a laying queen. If you order a queen today, by the time you get the arrangements made and get the queen it will be four days. By the time they release her it will be eight days. By the time she's laying it will be about 10 days. That's still 14 days sooner. Best case (they ship her today overnight) you'll get a turnover of brood during the time it would take for them to raise one.

Sean Kelly · June 12, 2007, 08:19:31 AM

Well I just ordered another hive, this time from Brushy Mountain. Got their 2 medium supers with crimp wire foundation kit with screened bb. I'm hopin I ordered the right foundation though. The frames are divided bottom bar and I wasnt quite sure what sort of foundation it took. So I just picked out the crimp wire stuff.

I figured when I do the split I can put a medium on each of the deeps and see how they do.

Michael,
I'm in no hurry, so saving a couple weeks is no biggie for me. But could I loose my split if I don't buy a queen? I still want the hive to be healthy. :-)
Should I feed them syrup again?

What a rush, I'm totally stoked!!!

Sean Kelly

Michael Bush · June 12, 2007, 08:24:53 AM

>I'm in no hurry, so saving a couple weeks is no biggie for me. But could I loose my split if I don't buy a queen?

Very doubtful.

>Should I feed them syrup again?

If there's a flow at all, I wouldn't bother. You should give them stores.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beessplits.htm