Beesource Beekeeping Forums banner

Late season hive expansion?

523 views 13 replies 8 participants last post by  Gray Goose  
#1 ·
I started a hive later in the season (July 27) due to circumstances. It’s done really well considering and have drawn eight frames of a ten frame deep. (I have a two frame feeder in there.). I did an inspection Saturday and found tons of eggs on multiple frames.

My question is this: should I add another ten frames? It seems a little late for adding that much room but the queen doesn’t seem to be slowing down yet. I live in coastal South Carolina.
 
#2 ·
I would not add all 10 frames.

I would add a 2nd box with 2-3 frames (centered in the middle) and see if the bees want to draw and fill more comb.

You can also, move up a frame or two of nectar and/or capped brood and add undrawn frames in the lower box.

If they draw the 2-3 frames, add 1-2 more in a few weeks.

During the spring flow, partially-filled boxes will result in wild comb being drawn. In the fall, I seldom see issues with boxes partially filled with frames.

Best Wishes
 
#4 ·
I always appreciate @BonafideVermont knowledge and experience.

There is a big difference in the OP’s location and Bonafide’s.

If the bees are still taking syrup, and they are still drawing comb, feeding is still a viable option.

SC coast is similar to my climate. Our Fall Flow is just beginning. It will go for the next 6 weeks.

It will be 8-plus weeks before we start having night temperatures drop below 50 degrees.

Our daytime temps this week are in the mid to high 80’s. Charleston, SC forecast for September.

Image



October Forecast for Charleston, SC

Image


Best Wishes.
 
#6 ·
I would take the feeder out and at the empty frames at 1 and 10. put the second box on and have 8 frames with the feeder full. I am still drawing frames out, it super dry here. I am getting pollen but nothing for nectar so I am back to feeding on my light hives and my hive that have enough for winter have a 3rd deep box of frames feeding to draw them out. I use bucket feeders.