winter comb

[jclark96]

My one hive has had issues, now all is well. My hive is real heavy, still taking syrup and drawing comb. They are in one box, but they have almost filled it up. I want to split this hive in the spring. Should I add a brood box underneath, or wait until spring?

[iddee]

That is a question without an answer. Only opinions.

My opinion would be, add a box only if you have drawn comb, not foundation.
Now we will wait for the others.

[annette]

Well you know what they say- opinions are like a--holes. Everyone has one so here is mine.

What kind of issues has your hive had?? If they are now doing good and they seem ready for winter, well I wouldn't play around with them right now. You can deal with everything in the Spring.

[RayMarler]

I say it's too late in the year, don't add the box now. Maybe add it on the bottom but only if it's already drawn comb as Iddee said.

[beee farmer]

Ditto responce to the 2 old men above.... just more area to defend over the winter wait till the spriing flow starts strong then add a box the queen will be in high gear laying, the nurse bees will be in high gear drawing wax and before you know it there will be plenty of bees for a split and plenty of flow for the split to prosper.  IMHO

[annette]

Ditto responce to the 2 old men above.... just more area to defend over the winter wait till the spriing flow starts strong then add a box the queen will be in high gear laying, the nurse bees will be in high gear drawing wax and before you know it there will be plenty of bees for a split and plenty of flow for the split to prosper.  IMHO

What do you mean 2 old men??  Female here!! :-* :-*

[RayMarler]

Look who's talking there you old farmer!

In the spring as the weather warms some, err on the side of giving too much room.

In the early fall to end of year, err on giving less space, as populations are dwindling down and less space to defend and more cozy quarters over winter for snuggling up close to their honey.  :-D

[beee farmer]

Miss Annette,
   I purposefully left you female types out of that generalization.  Married 28 years and still earning but not totally daft!  Us old farts can kick it about  without too much animosity:-)

[annette]

OK :-D :-D