installing packages into medium huve bodies

**bluelake** · 06-02-2011, 01:04 PM

I iwll be installing my package bees saturday.

Do I initially just use one medium hive boday and frames or start with two? Most examples i see out there are using deeps so I better not be to afraid to ask.

I also plan to feed sugar/water right away based on my late start, but should I include pollen supplements as well?

And what about medication in the sugar water? Is it necessary?

Thanks

**bluelake** · 06-02-2011, 01:05 PM

I meant HIVE bodies of course!

**waynesgarden** · 06-02-2011, 03:25 PM

I start with one, either medium or deep. This year, 20 packages were started in 10 of each size.

I don't provide pollen supplements when there is so much natural pollen available. The new bees have been bringing it in pretty well.

I don't medicate if nothing is sick, so those that do will have to advise on that point.

Wayne

**AmericasBeekeeper** · 06-02-2011, 03:59 PM

Do you take antibiotics before you are sick? One medium is easier for your new hive to defend, air condition and build with.

**Kevin245** · 06-02-2011, 04:04 PM

I've used one, or two. Either works fine but with one things seem to stay a bit more organized though.

Definitely feed them syrup. If they're drawing comb they'll need all the help you can give them. I feed syrup until they won't take it anymore. Don't medicate unless there's a problem. Pollen should be plentiful this time of year. Our bees pull pollen well into the Fall.

**Michael Bush** · 06-02-2011, 10:47 PM

It takes heat and humidity to make wax and raise brood. These are much easier to maintain in one box. I would put them in one. I often put a 3 lb package in a five frame medium nuc if I don't have drawn comb. I routinely put them in one eight frame medium box with drawn comb.

**bluelake** · 06-03-2011, 07:21 AM

Thanks all for the replies. And Kevin I love your signature. I used to say something similar when I was a flight instructor and I am sure it applies to beekeeping as well, went something like this:

"The problem with gaining experience, is you usually regret getting it."

**sfleming** · 06-03-2011, 10:27 AM

I started 3 pakages with two eight frame mediums. After two weeks I checked them and they had six of the eight frames filled out and had eggs in them. Then I discovered that the bottom body had not been touched. The next time I will start with only one. I am thinking I should reverse them now.

**Michael Bush** · 06-03-2011, 07:06 PM

>I am thinking I should reverse them now.

I wouldn't reverse. I'd leave them. Bees naturally start at the top, as yours did, and work to the bottom, which they will do when the top box is full.

**sfleming** · 06-05-2011, 12:19 PM

Thanks Michael. That is what I will do.

**bluelake** · 06-05-2011, 11:44 PM

Originally Posted by Michael Bush

>I am thinking I should reverse them now.

I wouldn't reverse. I'd leave them. Bees naturally start at the top, as yours did, and work to the bottom, which they will do when the top box is full.

with that in mind i have two questions. When should i add the second medium hive body? And when that time comes, I should put it underneath the one that's building up now?

**Michael Bush** · 06-06-2011, 02:19 AM

>And what about medication in the sugar water? Is it necessary?

IMO, never.

>with that in mind i have two questions. When should i add the second medium hive body?

The 80 20 rule is good. When it's 80% drawn.

> And when that time comes, I should put it underneath the one that's building up now?

You can if you like. With foundationless this typically works better for the first box or two.