Medium hive question

doug494 · April 07, 2022, 08:53:42 PM

I?m using all medium boxes. I am finding the bees do not like to use the bottom box. It?s almost like they would prefer to swarm over using the empty space in the bottom box.

Example: I hived a package of bees this weekend in two medium boxes with both having a mix of drawn comb and empty frames (foundationless). Put the queen cage in the bottom box. I checked today and the queen was released and already laying eggs with a lot of nectar being stored. All in the top box (almost filling it) with nothing in the bottom. Not even drawing out comb in the empty frames.

Is this normal? Do you just swap the boxes?

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The15thMember · April 08, 2022, 12:29:23 AM

Am I understanding correctly that you only installed this package last weekend? Just give them a minute.

If they have only been installed 5 days or so, it's going to take them some time to get their affairs in order to the point they can start drawing comb. Yes, you can swap boxes if it becomes a persistent problem, but I'd bet almost anything that if you just give them some time, they'll fill up both boxes without any fuss.

Lesgold · April 08, 2022, 02:16:32 AM

Give the hive about 3 to 4 weeks and you will see bee numbers start to rise quickly. There will be a slight drop in bee count over the next couple of weeks as some of the bees die and are not replaced. As soon as the top box is layed out, the bees will move down as the queen will need more room to lay. This will only occur however if there are sufficient bees to cover some of the lower frames. Boxes can be swapped when bee numbers increase.

Oldbeavo · April 08, 2022, 05:58:12 AM

A package of bees does not need 2 mediums, too much space. They have move to the top box as it is the easiest to keep warm.
If they are not using the bottom box then remove it until they fill the one they have.
You will not have a new bee for 21 days after laying starts, no workers for another 7 days approx. so chill out and let them work the single medium.

Acebird · April 08, 2022, 08:21:42 AM

Quote from: doug494 on April 07, 2022, 08:53:42 PM
All in the top box (almost filling it) with nothing in the bottom. Not even drawing out comb in the empty frames.

Is this normal?

Yes, bees build their hive from the top down. They will always go to the top.

QuoteDo you just swap the boxes?

Absolutely not.

Don't worry about the bottom box being empty. In a heavy flow it will be their transfer station. The incoming nectar will be dumped so they can go get more. The house bees will move it to the top. They got this, don't worry.

doug494 · April 08, 2022, 01:35:10 PM

Thanks Ace

So maybe the bottom transfer station is always going to be a bit of a spacer. I've had hives swarm when I think that have plenty of space, but it is because the bees fill the brood area with honey instead of the bottom box.

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The15thMember · April 08, 2022, 01:43:51 PM

Quote from: doug494 on April 08, 2022, 01:35:10 PM
I've had hives swarm when I think that have plenty of space, but it is because the bees fill the brood area with honey instead of the bottom box.

Most bees will backfill the brood nest with honey in preparation for swarming. This slows the queen's egg production in preparation for her leaving with the swarm and also ensures the brood nest is small enough for the remaining bees to care for properly.

Acebird · April 09, 2022, 08:50:12 AM

Quote from: doug494 on April 08, 2022, 01:35:10 PM
Thanks Ace

So maybe the bottom transfer station is always going to be a bit of a spacer. I've had hives swarm when I think that have plenty of space, but it is because the bees fill the brood area with honey instead of the bottom box.

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The transfer is nectar not honey. If they are backfilling the decision to swarm has already been made and changing their little minds is usually fruitless.

FloridaGardener · April 09, 2022, 10:24:45 PM

Plus you live in Indiana and it's freeeeeezing. Heat rises, that's where they will build the nest. If I were you I would take away the bottom box so that they can better thermoregulate. When the first box is packed, add the 2nd box underneath it.

Oldbeavo · April 10, 2022, 12:49:23 AM

Hi FG
same thoughts as mine in Reply #3.

FloridaGardener · April 10, 2022, 04:48:46 PM

Yes, you are exactly correct. I just thought I'd write more than "Old Beavo X2."

Michael Bush · April 11, 2022, 03:04:28 PM

I don't think it has anything to do with mediums, but as long as there is space above they tend to use that. If I find an empty box on the bottom and the bees are likely to use it, I put it on top, or at least above the current brood nest. If I think the bees are spread too thin, I remove it.