[MikeJ]

A previous thread, someone pointed out that honey bound means a large band of capped honey/syrup across the top that deters the queen from crossing it into the next chamber. The poster also mentioned that open syrup/honey tended to be a sign of an oncoming swarm (that open stores would be those that the swarm gorged on before leaving).

Sounds very logical. Would also explain the slower behaviour they now exibit.

Mike

 

[MikeJ]

It is interesting that when I see this (I see it in my hive a lot), that it never is capped. The bees seem to be able to place the stores where they want so I personally would doubt they are just throwing it here and there. They know they need room for laying so maybe what you are calling honey bound is really pre-preperations for swarming (even before cups are seen) - which would mean that at this stage it would be even easier to prevent the swarm.

When I see it in my hives they always end up swarming, which is my fault for not knowing how to prevent it yet. Not saying it is the evidence just pointing it out.

Just some thoughts
Mike

 

[MikeJ]

Actually, I believe honey bound is meant as a band across all frames. You have to look at the brood nest as a single area. I believe what many are calling honey bound is what others refer to as back filling.

If the cell is on the bottom I wouldn't be so positive it is supersedure. Even small hives can throw a swarm if they are overcrowded.
Your queen may still be there. They reduce weight and slow/stop egg laying if they plan to swarm. Not saying they are but you won't know for sure until it happens or not.

Mike

 

[MikeJ]

2nd year beekeeper..
John, sound like you got the idea. That is the way it is "supposed to be", but sometimes the bees don't do what they are "supposed to do".

You may be mixing up to different points though. Mostly when I hear people trying to encourage bees to move up, they mean on new frames that are empty (foundation or foundationless). They want them to start using it. So sometimes you encourage them by moving som used frames up.

Once stores/brood are up there they will "move up" during the winter/spring as they need those stores. You don't need to encourage them to move up during this time.

Maybe they sometimes dislike it because it isn't natural to have wood frames around the combs - I have heard that a lot of the top bars on the modern frames was developed during the hey-day of comb honey production and the extra wide frames (1" - 1 1/8") were used to discourage the queen from moving up.

You can read langs. treatise if you want I guess, and be a slave labouror if you want. Or you can just learn as you go. I doubt books will make you good at beekeeping though. Like so many things doing it will be the key.

Mike