[c10250]

At what weight would you consider a hive low on stores this time of year (Chicago)? I have a double deep, telescoping cover, landing board, inner cover, and SBB.

I'm thinking that I shouldn't feed until the weight of the hive gets to around 70 lbs.

Ken

 

[mike haney]

delete

 

[c10250]

Well, I feel good. I reversed today, and weighed the hive. She weighs 90 lbs! What a crazy amount of bees too. I swear I have 8 full frames covered. I'm hoping they don't swarm!!!!!!

 

[mike haney]

do a "search" here for "checkerboarding". tons of info on preventing swarming. that said, sometimes they swarm no matter what. good luck,mike

 

[Michael Palmer]

I'm thinking that I shouldn't feed until the weight of the hive gets to around 70 lbs.

Ken

I weigh all my hives in October. I've found that a double deep with outer cover weighs 70 pounds...without any honey...just the bees, combs, boxes and bottom. This will vary somewhat with stored pollen and brood. You should not allow the bees less than a 15 pound reserve which would be about 85 lbs total.