Best time for Spring splits?

[Paul McCarty]

Just a quick question... I noticed I have drones now. Our temps are still dipping into the twenties at night and hovering in the upper 50's in the day. I would like to split up one of my hives into nucs, mostly to prevent swarms and to go for increase. When is too early? I don't want to pull too many bees out that I kill them due to the freeze.

[beeware10]

sounds like way too early. when they start to whiten up comb due to nector coming in is a sure sign. need good strong hives and a honey flow.

[bendriftin]

Where are you located from deming area? When does the desert begin to bloom down there? I did a little work in Silver City and the desert down there in bloom was amazing.

[Paul McCarty]

I am up in the mountains near Cloudcroft. This is the first year for me to overwinter up here at 8000' feet. I have some hives at a lower elevation too, so I can catch the desert bloom. They aren't so touchy to manage. Not nearly as cold.