[PyroBee]

Next Tuesday get my first three packages. Around here most average a forty percent loss coming out of winter. I certainly do not want any loss, as this is my first year I realize I may have losses. My question is how soon could I split this three and make three nucs off of them?

 

[Hawkster]

There really isn't a set time frame, you need to split when they are strong enough AND it is early enough for your split to survive . If this is your first year and you are putting them on undrawn frames this might not happen.

 

[David LaFerney]

When you have enough comb for all of the resultant hives to over winter on. In my area a colony can easily over winter on one box of comb - from 8 frame medium on up.

So help them all you can to draw comb - you are on the right track. In my experience new beekeepers who make increase are much more likely to stick with it.

Good luck.

 

[PyroBee]

I plan on continually feeding them. Should I plan on allowing them to make their own queens or purchasing queens?