I have five hives and it's amazing how different they are. One, which I started from a swarm last year, is stronger than any hive I've ever had. In fact, today I added a sixth super—they've filled two shallows and three mediums and are still working hard. The other four have not drawn out a single frame in their supers. Nothing. Nada.
Other than possible genetic differences, the only thing I can think of that separates these hives is that I checkerboarded the strong colony in early March. I had enough drawn comb to do this for a single hive, so I selected the one that was strongest last year.
Can checkerboarding be responsible for such a big difference in production and behavior?
Other than possible genetic differences, the only thing I can think of that separates these hives is that I checkerboarded the strong colony in early March. I had enough drawn comb to do this for a single hive, so I selected the one that was strongest last year.
Can checkerboarding be responsible for such a big difference in production and behavior?