Sadly, I lost both of my first hives this winter. Basically starved out. I had Italians and I think the cold winter coupled with my inexperience led to their demise. Both clusters worked to the top of the frame then perished. I brushed out the old bees and inspected the comb.
I will be getting two new 3lb packages (RUSSIAN-"YUGO" CARNIOLAN) first week of April. I have two deep boxes with 80% of drawn comb with honey from the hives that I can use.
Should I install the packages directly into the deep boxes with the drawn and partially filled frames as they were or will any particular combination of foundation only and drawn frames work better?
I plan on running two deeps for the hive bodies and have medium supers, only the original single deep hive bodies have drawn comb everything else is foundation only.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
I will be getting two new 3lb packages (RUSSIAN-"YUGO" CARNIOLAN) first week of April. I have two deep boxes with 80% of drawn comb with honey from the hives that I can use.
Should I install the packages directly into the deep boxes with the drawn and partially filled frames as they were or will any particular combination of foundation only and drawn frames work better?
I plan on running two deeps for the hive bodies and have medium supers, only the original single deep hive bodies have drawn comb everything else is foundation only.
Any input is greatly appreciated.