Last year I caught 2 swarms about the 10th of June. I thought I would try Walt's suggestion so I put a shallow under a deep. They wintered in that, in central Indiana and came thru the winter in good shape. I have fed nothing this year. These 2 hives have been more active than the other 2 all spring (1 an '05 swarm, the other an '07 swarm) . I didn't have the resources to 'checkerboard'. Hive # '08/1 swarmed on May 3rd and again on May 5. Hive # '08/2 swarmed on May 5 (a very large swarm) and again on May 7. Neither of the other 2 have swarmed. Since I didn’t inspect the ‘pollen box’ to know what was in it, I don't know if the 'pollen box' is the reason for the fast build up or not but it sure looks like Walt's advice is sound. I sure did not want 8 hives as I don't plan to be in the honey business. Had to put the last 1 in a 5 frame nuc. Also had to build 3 bottom boards. I would appreciate comments from anyone, especially anyone that has used the 'pollen box'.
leamon