planning my first splits

goertzen29 · April 12, 2010, 10:44:03 PM

I've been reading up on splits and I want to run my plan by some who've done splits to see if I have the right idea.

I'm splitting 2 hives this weekend when my new queens get here. I plan on taking about 5 frames from each to make 2 new hives,which include a couple frames of brood, and the rest pollen and honey stores. I was thinking about moving these new splits to a new location a few miles away, but there aren't as many blooming plants. Is moving them necessary? If I don't move them how do I keep them in the new hives? Should I move them apart a few feet or yards?

And my main question...Do I need to split them the day before I get the queens so the new hives know they are queenless? Would this makes them quicker to accept the new queens (even though they will be in their queen cages for a few days afterwards.)?

Your help and thoughts are greatly appreciated.
Jay

JP · April 12, 2010, 11:33:38 PM

You have a good plan Jay. I would split them late evening and move the two queenless hives, 24 hours before introducing the new queens.

...JP

goertzen29 · April 13, 2010, 12:12:54 AM

Thanks JP...

How long should I move them for? The reason I ask is the place I have the parent hives are surrounded by apple, apricot and cherry trees which are beginning to bloom, I would hate for the new splits to miss out on those blooms for too long...

JP · April 13, 2010, 12:26:01 AM

I'd say 4-5 days if you can stand it.

...JP

Michael Bush · April 13, 2010, 02:05:09 AM

A queen in the hand is a queen in the hand. One in the mail doesn't really exist... she may arrive dead, or not at all... I would wait. You can keep a queen for a couple of weeks with a drop of water a day...

JP · April 13, 2010, 10:12:35 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on April 13, 2010, 02:05:09 AM
a queen in the hand is a queen in the hand. One in the mail doesn't really exist... she may arrive dead, or not at all... I would wait. You can keep a queen for a couple of weeks with a drop of water a day...

I totally overlooked one of your questions, sorry.

As M.B. correctly pointed out, you need your queens first before you do anything, unless of course you wanted them to make their own queens. Sorry for any confusion.

When you get your queens in hand, you will still need to wait 24 hours to introduce them.

...JP

goertzen29 · April 13, 2010, 11:23:59 PM

Very Good point. I was more worried that I would have to get the queens installed right away, but if you say I can keep them out a day or 2 I will wait to split until friday or saturday after I have the Queens then wait 24 hours to introduce the caged queens. So all I need to do with the queens is give them a drop of water each day huh? should I keep them in the dark? Anything else I need to know about keeping them alive and healthy?

JP · April 13, 2010, 11:58:04 PM

They should arrive with some attendants. Keep them in the dark in a cool place, room temperature is fine & you could offer a drop of water/honey.

...JP

goertzen29 · April 15, 2010, 12:36:39 PM

Thanks JP and MB. I appreciate the help, now if this cloudy rainy weather clears up it would be great;)