[beeeee]

I have four packages to install soon. They are 3 lb. packages. This equals a total of 12 lb. of bees. I usually buy 2 lb. packages. Since I have 12 lbs. of bees can I make up 6 two lb. colonies if I purchase 2 queens?

 

[JStinson]

You could, but I think you would be better off installing them as 3lb packages and splitting later.

 

[ruthiesbees]

I just checked on my 3# package that I installed on Sunday. That large group of bees has really gone gangbusters compared to the 4 comb nuc I got last July. I agree that you should do the splits later. You might even raise your own queens if you have some spare equipment.

 

[stan.vick]

I agree with JStinson, a three pound package with a laying queen should be ready to split in early summer, whereas a two pound package may just limp along for most of the summer, I learned this lesson the hard way (several times) get the numbers up as fast as possible.