Another winter hive reduction question

[Finsky]

finsky is right. .

I have wintered bees in Finland 45 years.  Normally we join hives for winter. If you have extra queen, take extra away.

it would solve the overcrowding problem!

You surely not have overcrowding problem.  If you have had 10 boxes in summer, so you could have difficulties to put colony in 2 box.


Good rule is that winter ball will be as big as brood area in late summer.

Dont plan any extra room. Press them to 2 deeps. Shake the third box empty.

.[/quote]

[Brian D. Bray]

>>Just before winter??? The beginner ??? Brian, would you do that your self ?


You're right, a month ago it would have been the right suggestion but in mid-Oct it's rediculous.  It must be this Indian summer we're having.  we've had less than seven days of rain since mid-May so it still feels as if it were summer.  Though If I had weather like I've had this year I would do it and feed like 7734^.

[Kathyp]

80 degrees today.  i went riding in a place that should have had snow on it!

the weather is probably part of my problem.  i know it's going to get cold but maybe the bees aren't feeling the pressure yet.

i'll give them some more time and watch the weather.  finsky probably has the right idea.  i'll just have to get tough with them.

thanks for the help guys.  i appreciate your patience.

[Finsky]

80 degrees today. .

What ever it is you must follow the long distance calendar of nature. We had here  extra summer month September. How ever bees are  now allmost in winterball.  Trees are turning yellow in normal  shedule.

[Kathyp]

done!  and probably none to soon  :-)

thanks!