Installing Packages on 8 Frame mediums.

[RHBee]

I'm installing 4lb packages on 8 frame mediums. Should I give them 2 boxes of foundation right from the start or 1 box wait a couple of days then add the second?

[Vance G]

Since it is warm at night now, I would use two as one would be pretty small IMO.

[mikecva]

You did not say if you were using drawn out comb or new foundation. I would start with one brood box until the queen is out, comb is being drawn out and she starts laying. When it is established that she is active and half the frames are drawn out then I would add the second box. If you are using drawn frames from the start then add as soon as you know the queen is laying.  My two cents.  -Mike

[10framer]

i might give 4 pound packages 3 mediums to start.  is there any kind of flow going on up your way?  it seems really late to be putting bees on foundation.

[MsCarol]

I think I would start with two boxes even if just foundation. It is getting warm here in the south. I started a swarm that was probably only 3# in two 8 frame mediums just about exactly a year ago and they prospered. They had the foundation drawn out in a couple weeks. I think if they had less space, they would have left.

[AliciaH]

2-3 boxes.  I ditto the concerns about heat and air flow inside the boxes being a factor.  You can always manipulate the frames around later, if needed.

[Michael Bush]

One eight frame medium is about right with drawn comb.  You could go less with foundation or foundationless...

[RHBee]

As I stated,  they will be on foundation. I know it's late in the year but this is the best my supplier could do. I'm getting 6-4lb packages tomorrow. I know I will have to feed in order to get them building.  As I understand it packages are a lot like swarms they will build in order to become established.
Last I saw my hives are still actively working.

[10framer]

One eight frame medium is about right with drawn comb.  You could go less with foundation or foundationless...

michael, do you mean one per pound?

[RHBee]

One eight frame medium is about right with drawn comb.  You could go less with foundation or foundationless...

michael, do you mean one per pound?

Rob, I took that to mean 4lbs in 1-8 frame medium with foundation. I know it's better to crowd them a bit while they are building. I'll be feeding 1 to 1.

[10framer]

read it again ray.  he says one with drawn comb but less with foundation.  4 pounds in a medium with drawn comb doesn't seem like it would work to me.

[Michael Bush]

>michael, do you mean one per pound?

On foundation or foundationless I usually install a 3lb package in a five frame medium nuc.  No, I mean one package in one eight frame box.

[RHBee]

>michael, do you mean one per pound?

On foundation or foundationless I usually install a 3lb package in a five frame medium nuc.  No, I mean one package in one eight frame box.

Thanks, I'll have them in 1 medium with 8 frames of foundation tomorrow evening. I might even try a couple of foundationless mixed in there.

[RHBee]

Got them installed yesterday. Put them in a single medium 3 with two foundationless frames and 3 with one sandwiched between frames of foundation. Feeding 1-1 from a 2 1/2qt bucket feeder. I'll release the queens Thursday that will give them 5 solid days for acceptance. I'll add another medium as needed and continue to feed. I would like to build them to 4 medims by fall.
Thanks for the responses.

[OldMech]

>michael, do you mean one per pound?

On foundation or foundationless I usually install a 3lb package in a five frame medium nuc.  No, I mean one package in one eight frame box.

   Thank you Mr. Bush.  I start 3 and 4 lb packages in a single ten frame medium, with 4 to 5 drawn combs in the center. A few of them are ready for a second box in a week, some take two or three weeks before they need the second box. Definitely add the next box before the first generation of capped brood begins emerging at 26 / 28 days.   We get some cool nights here. It is JUNE and we still have 52 degree nights. Less space is better, but a lot depends on where you are. 

[RHBee]

Well it's anything other than cool here. Taking a break from trimming bushes. It's 90degF today. Nights drop to mid to low 70's. The bees seem to be fine with it.