Last year I started with 2 hives for many of the reasons listed previously. Without disturbing the girls, I could just watch and see how they were doing. I never saw a great difference between the colonies, so I didn't have too much concern over their well being (I always have some concern...just the way I am).
You can compare brood patterns, behaviour and the like. If there's a difference, time to further investigate whether or not action is required. Two hives just takes away some of the uneasiness that comes with learning.
Also, if you ony rely only on forums, you'll probably decide that your bees have every disease known to man (and a few that aren't) and are getting ready to swarm every hour on the hour. Looking at them eases that feeling.
Walt
You can compare brood patterns, behaviour and the like. If there's a difference, time to further investigate whether or not action is required. Two hives just takes away some of the uneasiness that comes with learning.
Also, if you ony rely only on forums, you'll probably decide that your bees have every disease known to man (and a few that aren't) and are getting ready to swarm every hour on the hour. Looking at them eases that feeling.
Walt
