will they stop building comb on supers?

[tlynn]

At our meeting I asked what the best way is to split our hive.  We have one very strong hive comprising 1 brood box and 2 supers.  First super is nearly all capped and second is about 80% drawn out.  I was told at the end of July to put a second brood box on for a month and then pull it and install a new queen in it.  Timing is to catch a big flow we have locally starting in September so they can build up through that month.  But if energy gets diverted to drawing out comb for new brood frames, will they slow down work on super frames?  Because I am anticipating adding a 3rd super in a couple weeks.  So I am wondering if I shouldn't bother adding it at that point, especially since I saw a whole group of SHB run for cover when I opened the top today (I managed to crunch them all!). 

And assuming I'm lifting off the 2nd brood box and placing it on a new SBB on a stand, how do I get the new brood box attached to the bottom board without banging the bees to death?  I see mine has these big nailed on staples holding it together.  Do I take out all the frames before I attach it?  I guess I don't have to worry about the queen because she'll be in a box.

Thanks!

Tracy

[qa33010]

Hi Tracy!  My brain has been slipping gears a little the past few days so I'll try and see if I have this right for you. :)

    If your current brood box is stapled to the SBB, just leave it.  What you can do is remove the supers and add the second...never mind.   I just figured out your question. :?

     Don't worry about stapling the brood box to the SBB for your second hive.  They will glue it together themselves.  Brood nest comb production may take bees away from the supers, but if you have a good population there shouldn't be a problem. 

    If you think you need to attach the new brood box to the SBB you can always use straight metal joiners that use two or four screws.  Therefore, no banging and the bees stay happy and you won't think you've opened up can of worms. ;)  Mine have never had a problem with a screwdriver or drill.  But if I use a cordless screwdriver I have to be careful not to let the bit knock when the screws are in.  This can irritate them. :evil:  So after the guide hole is drilled I use a hand screwdriver, again, careful I don't jostle them around too much.  Works great for me. :lol:

    Oh yeah.  Some folks may block the entrance with a mesh that night, just as if they were going to move them, and then with all the bees inside pounding the staples in.  Personally I like the screwdriver method.

I hope this helps a little.

[Jerrymac]

No need to staple, nail, screw any of the hive together unless you are moving them some distance away.