in just these past two and a half weeks my hive count went from 13 healthy colonies with overwintered tf queens to 28 colonies.
the increase came from splits and swarms from the overwintered thirteen and these new colonies are mating queens at this time, plus they all have at least five drawn frame of comb and plenty of fresh stores.
i have also allowed a half dozen very nice swarms fly into the nearby woods.
it's interesting to see the changes in operations as these succesful bees shift out of spring build-up and swarming to new white wax and storing for next winter.
the increase came from splits and swarms from the overwintered thirteen and these new colonies are mating queens at this time, plus they all have at least five drawn frame of comb and plenty of fresh stores.
i have also allowed a half dozen very nice swarms fly into the nearby woods.
it's interesting to see the changes in operations as these succesful bees shift out of spring build-up and swarming to new white wax and storing for next winter.