As a first year beek with only one hive I seem to have made every mistake in the book, but still have my hive. I think it would probably be termed weak, though I really do not know the criteria. It is in two 8 frame mediums, still with 4 deep frames from the nuc (I use a 3" shim).
There are frames of capped brood, some of sugar water (I think) left from feeding the nuc early, with a little honey. The frames are probably 80% filled with comb. The brood nest is on top of a lower box that contains mostly empty comb.
I think I need to do what I can to create as many bees as I can before winter. We are in a dearth now, waiting for fall flowers in Central Texas. What is the best way to create the most bees? My queen is new, and laying well, with bees coming and going, just not very many of them. Should I feed 2:1 or 1:1 sugar water? Should I feed pollen substitute? I do not really want to make sugar/pollen bars due to the hive beetles in the hive. I do have beetle traps in the hive.
Should I reverse the boxes, or rely upon the bees to move down when they need the room?
I do not have any experienced beeks in the area that I know of, and have been relying upon this forum for my education. I am very thankful for all the information and help I have received. If there are any Bastrop county beeks please pm me, I would like to meet you for a cup of coffee. I'll buy.
There are frames of capped brood, some of sugar water (I think) left from feeding the nuc early, with a little honey. The frames are probably 80% filled with comb. The brood nest is on top of a lower box that contains mostly empty comb.
I think I need to do what I can to create as many bees as I can before winter. We are in a dearth now, waiting for fall flowers in Central Texas. What is the best way to create the most bees? My queen is new, and laying well, with bees coming and going, just not very many of them. Should I feed 2:1 or 1:1 sugar water? Should I feed pollen substitute? I do not really want to make sugar/pollen bars due to the hive beetles in the hive. I do have beetle traps in the hive.
Should I reverse the boxes, or rely upon the bees to move down when they need the room?
I do not have any experienced beeks in the area that I know of, and have been relying upon this forum for my education. I am very thankful for all the information and help I have received. If there are any Bastrop county beeks please pm me, I would like to meet you for a cup of coffee. I'll buy.