I got a swarm a week ago...about 3 lb I'm guessing...not big, but it seems to be doing fine. I would like to strengthen it up with another swarm if I get the opportunity. What would be the best method for doing this? Newspaper combine? Should I get rid of one of the queens before I try to combine, or let them duke it out? I don't want to start a huge bee battle and lose all of them....thanks!
Evaluate the queens laying patterns before uniting them together, and dispose of the worst queen, don't let them fight it out, you may end up with two dead queens. If both queens are good then its up to you what you want to do, I don't believe in pinching a good queen, why not make a nuc with her and a couple frames of brood and bees, you never know when you may need another queen. John
Yeah...that sounds like great advice. However, my problem is I am new to beekeeping this year, and I don't have anymore equipment available to start anymore hives. That's why I thought if I could get another swarm and bolster my smallest colony, it would be worth getting another swarm. Otherwise, I'll just have to start turning down the swarms. Thanks.
Can you explain that process a bit? How do you do a double screen combine? Are you referring to using 2 screened inner covers? I don't have anymore of those available either....
No, I use a bottom board that is screened on both sides and simply sit it on top of the stronger hive. Some people face the entrance the opposite way but, I have not found that to be necessary. Simply put, it is one hive on top of another, and a double screen between them.
cchoganjr
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