I need to combine. Suggestions?

[contactme_11]

So as some of you may have read from some of my other posts, I have 2 hives, and a 3rd that I'm not sure you could call a hive.
Hive #1 is big healthy, fine.
Hive #2 is building out, stores etc. But doesn't have any sign of a queen anywhere and is starting to decrease in numbers
Hive #3 is has a queen but is small not really building up stores (I think it keeps getting robbed) and has a mite problem.

What I would like to do is combine #2 and #3 and add a couple frames of bees from Hive #1 before winter. #2 is in a better location so I would like to use this. Can I just do a newspaper combine with the bees and queen from #3? Then a few days later do another combine with bees from #1? #3 is my only hive with much of a mite problem, what can I do to remedy this so it doesn't transfer?

[1of6]

So as some of you may have read from some of my other posts, I have 2 hives, and a 3rd that I'm not sure you could call a hive.
Hive #1 is big healthy, fine.
Hive #2 is building out, stores etc. But doesn't have any sign of a queen anywhere and is starting to decrease in numbers
Hive #3 is has a queen but is small not really building up stores (I think it keeps getting robbed) and has a mite problem.

What I would like to do is combine #2 and #3 and add a couple frames of bees from Hive #1 before winter. #2 is in a better location so I would like to use this. Can I just do a newspaper combine with the bees and queen from #3? Then a few days later do another combine with bees from #1? #3 is my only hive with much of a mite problem, what can I do to remedy this so it doesn't transfer?

As I was reading your post and thinking about an answer, what I was going to say spelled itself pretty closely in your last paragraph.  I've done one pretty close to how you're describing, and was satisfied with the results.  I'd do it soon rather than waiting closer to winter.  I also put all three parts together at one time, used newspaper (between 2 & 3) as you're describing, and worked a couple frames from a strong hive in at the same time, using a very little bit of sugar water sprayed on the donor frames (with a little bit of peppermint mixed in to cover the scent of the old hive).

These went together nicely, the good queen was accepted and is going well now.

In your situation, find a treatment that works for you to address the mite problems.  Also watch to see how they build for winter and help/supplement if they look like they need it.  You are defintely on the right track.  Just make 100% sure that there's no queen in #2.  She could be in there but not laying (but it does sound very much like it's truly queenless).

Good luck to you.

[Bill W.]

I would definitely combine your #2 and #3, but I would be reluctant to rob the strong to support the weak at this time of year.

Early in the year, my strategy is to share out the resources of strong hives to make more strong hives.  At this point, my strategy becomes making strong hives stronger by sacrificing any weak hives to them.

In Spring, you are in the venture capital business; by Fall, you are a bankruptcy court.

[Moonshae]

Why not treat hive #3 to get rid of the mites, then combine with #2 and feed (if necessary)? If the queen in #3 is weak, there's not much point in keeping her; order a replacement while you're treating, and  introduce her in #2. When treatment is over, nix the #3 queen, and combine.

I wouldn't use #1 to support them...weakening a strong hive at this time of year to support two questionable ones isn't the best bet. Better to make it through the winter with one as opposed to none.

[1of6]

Still a thought, I assumed that #1 was a very good strong hive.  If it's so weak that it'd be that negatively impacted by taking away one or two frames, then you have bigger issues.

If #1 is not a good strong hive, then you need to address its problems as well.  If two frames is enough to put it at risk from not making it, your strategy needs to incorporate steps to help #1 as well.  Good hives should be able to sacrifice a frame or two and not be negatively impacted.  If your scenario fits with the previous 2 posts, then you should be looking at a method that addresses #1's problems as well.

However, I'm pretty sure that's not what's being described...so...