bearding

[jl]

The last two days my bees have been bearding and I read somewhere that this could cause a swarm.  I've propped the outer cover up with a rock and they still are bearding.    I have two deep hive bodies that are full of brood, eggs and honey and third deep that as of sunday only had three frames drawn out so there is plenty of room, I suspect.  Do I need to be concerned with them swarming this late in the year? thanks in advance. Jeff

[Kathyp]

i don't think bearding is a sign of an impending swarm, but in the interest of better ventilation, you could pull some of the honey frames from below. put them in the top box and replace with empty frames from top.  your 3rd box is for you? 

[jl]

3rd box is for you? 

Kinda, I only have one hive (first year) and want to get another one next year so I'm letting this years bees draw the comb out so next years beee will have a head start because they will have a deep hive body with the foundation already drawn out.  Not to concerned about honey this year.

[pdmattox]

3rd box is for you? 

Kinda, I only have one hive (first year) and want to get another one next year so I'm letting this years bees draw the comb out so next years beee will have a head start because they will have a deep hive body with the foundation already drawn out.  Not to concerned about honey this year.

I like your plan.  Comb is priceless and never enough of it around.

[Michael Bush]

>I read somewhere that this could cause a swarm.

It does not cause one nor is the the sign of an impending one, but it MIGHT be a sign of overcrowding which could lead to a swarm and it MIGHT be the sign of poor ventilation which could contribute to swarming or it MIGHT just be really hot outside.

Make sure they have room in the supers, the brood nest is open and they have ventilation and then sleep well.

[jl]

Thanks for the info, I think I'll in invest in a SBB and slatted rack because all I have now is a wooden one and the outer cover is propped up pretty good.  Once again and as always thanks for the help.

Jeff