First Hive/Newbie questions

[yakin ag]

OK, so I ordered some package bees from B. Weaver mid April and they seem to be doing fine. I just added a second deep super...when should I add a shallow super? Will I be able to rob them this year? Also, I just put a slatted (?) bottom board on to protect against SHBs, do I need a sticky sheet? I didn't paint the part right where the bees land and enter, and I didn't paint the interior, but it is cypress, so it should be ok...

http://img140.imageshack.us/img140/605/beehive.jpg (http://img140.imageshack.us/i/beehive.jpg/)

Any pointers? Am I doing anything stupid? I try to leave them alone...maybe enter once a month or so.

[Ravenseye]

Lot's of folks don't paint the landing board so that it won't too slippery. I do because of the snow buildup but either way is fine.

Don't add a box until your bees have filled up most of the deep that they're in. And then, don't add a super until they've done the same with that second box. You may not be able to harvest this year since so much effort goes into hive establishment. On the other hand, it happens to lots of people where they have a strong colony, good weather and lot's of nectar sources so keep your eyes on the hive as you get further along in the year. I'm not very familiar with SHB but I think you'd be better off with one of the specialty SHB traps than with just a slatted rack or sticky board. The slatted rack is good for ventilation and the sticky board helps with drop counts. A strong hive is often the best way to address SHB, but not the only way to manage them.

Looks like you're doing well with your setup. Hope you're enjoying it!

[mgmoore7]

How is the bottom board that you installed going to help with SHB?

Put on a super when both deeps are almost full. You may or may not get any honey. In Texas you have a better chance than someone in the north since they have to leave alot more honey for winter stores.

If your bottom box is already full of bees and completely drawn out, then remove the entrance reducer.

[yakin ag]

Thank you both for the responses! I guess the bottom board I put on won't help with SHB, unless I add vegetable oil to the tray. I was concerned b/c of the close location of a feral hive. I had left the entrance reducer on b/c I was afraid rodents would get in the hive...guess I can take it off! When I added the new BB, the bees had made some comb on the actual bottom board itself, but all it contained was pollen from the looks of it

[Hambone]

I would put them on a SBB. You will only need a stick board when doing a mite drop count. You shouldn’t have a mite problem yet with a new package. If you have a SHB problem look into a west trap or an A.J.’s. Is your hive in full sun? Mine that are in full sun are stronger and have less SHB.

[yakin ag]

They are in full sun, and I haven't seen any pests in them, I was just trying to prevent it. It is a screened BB, should I just pull the tray out and let it ventilate? It is open in the back...

http://www.gabees.com/store/product_info.php?cPath=32&products_id=425&osCsid=3ba44178919938a2b0fe437c2d9ffef7