Second Super Question

[jester7891]

I recently bought 3 pound of bees - they came in April so I was able to get a good start (Northwestern New Jersey). I checked the other day and 7/10 of the frames were drawn out. I am ready to place the second super in place. Can I take one or 2 of the frames from the lower super and switch them with 2 frames from the upper super so that I can encourage the bees to start working on the second super?

Thanks,


          Jester

[VolunteerK9]

You could, but I dont really think its necessary. With all things being perfect you have probably just had one brood turnover so too much manipulation might break up your broodnest leading to chilling. I live in SE Tennessee and weve had some very cool mornings lately- I can only imagine that its still a tad bit cooler in NJ. If you are running foundationless I would suggest placing 1 drawn frame of CAPPED brood in the second box for them to use as a ladder. If you are using foundation, I say just place it on top and they will draw it when they need it.

[sc-bee]

>With all things being perfect you have probably just had one brood turnover so too much manipulation might break up your broodnest leading to chilling. I live in SE Tennessee and weve had some very cool mornings lately- I can only imagine that its still a tad bit cooler in NJ. If you are running foundationless I would suggest placing 1 drawn frame of CAPPED brood in the second box for them to use as  

>If you are running foundationless I would suggest placing 1 drawn frame of CAPPED brood in the second box for them to use as a ladder. If you are using foundation, I say just place it on top and they will draw it when they need it.


:? one frame  :?  I'd leave them be if you think chilling may be an issue at all.

[VolunteerK9]

Yup, thats what I was trying to suggest-Thanks for straightening me out.

[sc-bee]

In the case above, if it were foudationless, use a frame of foundation as a ladder and replace it later.