Combine strong packages sugestinons

Patrick · June 06, 2008, 10:47:32 PM

Hi,
I have inherited two packages that are going well both at about 8 9 frames of bees. I would like to combine them (I have no more space in my small yard). I am looking for suggestions as this is my first combine. Most of the posts deal with combining week hives these are not weak per say just new. Also should I let the queens fight it out or remove one, the both seem good and if I remove one I can give it to a friend, but is there any advantage either way? I am thinking that if the combine goes well I will have two deep of bees and I can place a honey super on top? Also I was wondering if combining hives of relative equal strengths is of any difference than the strong weak config.
Cheers,
Patrick

JP · June 07, 2008, 10:52:57 AM

If its safe to assume you have other hives than these two, then just make the decision and give your friend one of the queens and do a combine.

...JP

Patrick · June 07, 2008, 11:29:30 AM

Yes JP I have other hives. You are correct.
Does it matter in this case (two hives of equal strength) what box I leave the queen in, top or bottom for the combine? Perhaps a dumb question. Seems like bottom might be better?
Cheers,
Patrick

JP · June 07, 2008, 11:55:41 AM

Quote from: Patrick on June 07, 2008, 11:29:30 AM
Yes JP I have other hives. You are correct.
Does it matter in this case (two hives of equal strength) what box I leave the queen in, top or bottom for the combine? Perhaps a dumb question. Seems like bottom might be better?
Cheers,
Patrick

I usually do the queenright hive on the bottom. Just be sure to give the bees on top adequate ventilation or they can overheat.

It may also be a good idea to remove the queen say a day or two before the combine, this way they will be more accepting of the queen from the combine.

...JP

Patrick · June 09, 2008, 12:54:58 PM

Hi,
I have a few more questions.
I this case (combining two strong hives) should I have a top entrance? Teps are 85 day 58 night.

What is the best time of day to do a combine?

If I do not use a top entrance how do the bees from the top box get back in if they were away when the combine was done? It seems like the returning bees would cause a bit of fighting if they al started entering the lower deep?

Cheers,
Patrick

Brian D. Bray · June 09, 2008, 05:33:10 PM

Quote from: Patrick on June 09, 2008, 12:54:58 PM
Hi,
I have a few more questions.
I this case (combining two strong hives) should I have a top entrance? Teps are 85 day 58 night.

A top entrance wouldn't hurt, but it more important to have some type of air vent so the bees in the upper unit don't smother.

QuoteWhat is the best time of day to do a combine?

Any time you can work the hives, it's messy in the rain. The returning foragers will go to a hive at some point.

QuoteIf I do not use a top entrance how do the bees from the top box get back in if they were away when the combine was done? It seems like the returning bees would cause a bit of fighting if they al started entering the lower deep?

Cheers,
Patrick

They will go to a nearby hive, it happens all the time, it's called drift. Overloaded bees land short of their own hive and end up going into another, as long as they're loaded with something they will be accepted. If they show up bare handed they will be attacked as robbers.

Patrick · June 09, 2008, 06:10:29 PM

Thanks Brian and JP
I'm all set to do my first combine tomorrow. Whoo Whoo.
Cheers,
Patrick