Earliest to combine hives?

[Fannbee]

A week ago I reversed my hive. A couple of days ago I was checking to see if the queen had moved up to the hive box  and was removing the grease patties on my hives.   Make a long story short, I think I injured the queen.  She is back in the hive, but her lower abdomen was pinched. Should I combine this hive with two other hives?   I live in central MS (high temps will be in the low 60's) and it will be the third of March when I can do it.   I will make sure the old queen is gone. 

Thanks

[Michael Bush]

It's warm enough where you are.  I'd do a simple newspaper combine if that's what you want to do.   Is the queen laying?  I've seen queens with a kink in them that still layed fine.  I base the decision on her performance, not her appearance.

[Fannbee]

Thanks, Michael

I plan on checking how she is laying next weekend.