Getting ready for winter in kansas

Have you treated for mites? If not that should be a priority.

I run 2 deeps and make sure the top is full of honey for winter. My hives are feral stock and most are pretty frugal so there is usually honey left in the spring. You said you put a super on last week. Was it full of honey or new? Going into winter I like my hives to be pushing 100 pounds total weight.

Just my 2c. It's my 5th year and I feel less confident now than at year 1. Making small improvements though. Went into last winter with 35 and only lost 2.

Chief11885 said:

New beekeeper here just wondering what all I need to do for getting my hives ready for winter. I am running 1 deep for brood and a medium's for honey. How many mediums should I leave on for winter. I have 3 hives with 2 supers on each of them. One with only one super which I put on last week. I am not going to take any honey from them. Because I want to make sure they have enough for winter.

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#1.... make sure you have the mites under control.

#2....I'm presuming that the supers are full. If you're NOT going to take any honey from them, then leave the supers on the hives...they can't use it if it's not there....be sure to remove any queen excluders. Be sure to check their supplies occasionally on nice days. If they run short, you can add sugar or sugar bricks if needed.

Chief11885 said:

New beekeeper here just wondering what all I need to do for getting my hives ready for winter. I am running 1 deep for brood and a medium's for honey. How many mediums should I leave on for winter. I have 3 hives with 2 supers on each of them. One with only one super which I put on last week. I am not going to take any honey from them. Because I want to make sure they have enough for winter.

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For us, 60 to 80 pounds of honey is what our colonies need to over-winter successfully and I usually install a candy board right from the get go - usually with about 16 pounds of fondant in it. We're in New Hampshire so winter can last a long time.