Newbie question regarding supers....

[Mamichi]

Hey all, we have two bee hives (8 frame English Garden style) and each came with two medium supers. We are getting our bees some time within the next week.

My question is- Do we introduce the package bees into one super or two? I realize they will eventually need 2 (maybe 3) supers for brood boxes, but just not sure how to start the hive out.

Thanks in advance,

:) Mamichi

[harvey]

Start them in one medium and wait till they have six frames drawn out before you put the second box on.  You want to keep the space as small enough that the bee's can keep it warm.  They will draw it out quicker to if it is smaller.  Once 6 out of the 8 are drawn out then you add another box.

[iddee]

I prefer to add another box when 7 or more frames are covered with adult bees, regardless of how many frames are drawn out.

[Michael Bush]

One.

[Mamichi]

thanks, all! :)