[larry tate]

Anyone in NC think it is time to super medimum to strong hives now? Thanks

 

[Iddee]

What is medium to strong? When the boxes on the hive now are 80% full, it is time to super. That means 8 or more frames are full in EACH and EVERY box.

 

[smgchandler]

so iddee how many boxes do you have now on top of your two brood boxes - i have 4 boxes on my hives - the top 2 boxes were undrawn foundation - i put it on hoping to get them to draw some comb out - the two bottom boxes are full of brood - should i take the top box off and leave 2 brood and one for honey and put excluder on top of those 3 and add 2 when the flow starts ??

 

[Iddee]

I never put two boxes of foundation on. I would take them both off and check the two bottom boxes. If there is less than 8 full frames in the two bottom boxes, I would put 10 empties in one box and remove it also. If there is more than 8, but less than 16 full frames, I would leave it with those 2 only. If there is more than 16 full frames, I would put 1 super back on.

Again, when 8 frames or more are full, add a box.

 

[smgchandler]

im using 8 frame medium on everything - everything and i havent taken a look at anything below the top box yet - i did notice the big hive has started drawing some comb on the top box of foundation though - so what you are saying is pull the top boxes off if the box under it has nothing in it right ?

 

[Iddee]

Yep.

 

[dogsoldier13]

my hive is strong,2 bottoms are full,so i added a super today,i pulled out the apiguard and have a jar of syrup with fumagillin on the boardman,patty powder and sugar in the top, they love it.soon i can hive up my emptys with the nucs im getting from wally.

 

[Tia]

Beehandler and I put boxes on all my hives the other day. . .two on the big one. This is all drawn comb, ready to be filled with sweet marsh honey! Once they fill these up, I'm gonna put on some starter strips. In light of the recent discovery of insecticide infested foundation, that's the way I'm going from now on. I just wire the frames and let the bees build the comb from top to bottom.

 

[gingerbee]

The more chemicals that are used, the more contamination of wax. Also some of them weaken queens.

http://www.bioone.org/doi/abs/10.1603/0 ... 2.0.CO%3B2

Checkmite has coumaphos in it.

 

[dgc1961]

Larry, I think I know you. You are a friend of Kirk's form Reidsville? I am David Carlson, you also know my brother Jim?

I got started in beekeeping last year. I got Kirk a hive but his died this winter

 

[larry tate]

Yes. David you and I have met. I have not seen Jim in a long time. How are your bees? I am making some splits and looking for some queens. I want to get a hive to Kirks very soon. Give me a call sometime. 442-2873.

 

[larry tate]

dgc1961
Yes I have met you and Jim. Been a long time since I have seen Jim. I am wanting to get Kirk a hive now but can not find a queen. Any ideas? Give me a call sometime. 442 2873

 

[willow creek apiary]

FIRST YEAR IN BEE KEEPING. CHECKED OUR 11 HIVES AND THE BOX HAD 4 TO 5 FRAMES BUILT UP WITH BROOD AND POLLEN AND HONEY. WE THEN PUT THE 1ST SUPER ON WITH A QUEEN EXCULEDER. DID WE DO RIGHT? IT LOOKS LIKE THE BEE'S ARE VERY HAPPY AND BUSY TOOOO!

THANKS JANIE IN KINGMAN , AZ

 

[dogsoldier13]

lets try to keep the chemicals to a minimum :shock:

 

[Iddee]

Janie,

If it is a 10 frame hive, it is best to wait until 8 or more are drawn out. If the super is foundation, you may have to remove the excluder until they begin drawing in it. Sometimes they will not move up through an excluder if they are not already working in the upper box.

PS. Welcome to the forum.