Syrup

[drgenegarris]

I recentlly aquired a hive and have it installed on a courtyard at my house.  I have been feeding the bees sugar syrup, hopefully, encouraging the bees to draw out comb in the new deep super/hive body I have added.

The hive I purchased came with a hole on the plywood roof that receives a water bottle.  I have been using a tonic bottle with many holes in it as my feeder.  So far the bees have taken 2L of syrup.

The bees have also drawn out comb in the new hive body in the center frames and just slightly elsewhere.  I noticed checking today that the bees are already storing a yellow liquid in the 1st couple of rows in some of the center frames.  Is this honey?  or is it sugar syrup?

Also at one time should I add my next hive box?

What will cause the queen to start laying eggs in the top box?

Thanks in advance!

[Michael Bush]

>I noticed checking today that the bees are already storing a yellow liquid in the 1st couple of rows in some of the center frames. Is this honey? or is it sugar syrup?

Your syrup is white isn't it?  If it's liquid and yellow, it's honey.

>Also at one time should I add my next hive box?

When the bottom box is at LEAST 80% drawn and filled.

>What will cause the queen to start laying eggs in the top box?

What would stop her?  Why would you want to stop her?  More brood is a good thing.  I would let her lay as much as she is willing where ever she is willing.

[drgenegarris]

I didn't state it correctly.  What causes the queen to move up into the top box?  At which time and under what circumstances will the queen move up into the 2nd hive body and lay eggs.

[Chad S]

When the bottom box is full the bees will move up, and start to draw the comb in the second deep.  The queen will move up when the first deep is full, and there are frames in the second deep that are ready for her.