How do you setup your hives for winter? Do you leave the brood boxes alone as far as frame arrangement? What would a good frame arrangement look like? For example, right now my weak hive looks like this Bottom deep HBBBBBDHEE (H- Honey - B -Brood D- Drone E Empty undrawn) The second box is HHHHBBBHHH. It also has a third deep on it with drawn frames and some capped honey. Do you leave 3 deeps on for winter? I expect a strong fall flow with the weather we have had. Not sure if I will take any from that weak hive. Is it normal to move frames around to get the best setup possible for winter? In other words should I move frames around so all brood is in the bottom box and the second box is all honey stores? I am located in Iowa so winters can be cold. Will be adding some protection as far as wind breaks and wrapping the hive. These are first year hives so just want to give them the best shot possible of making it this winter.
