[Bull]

I started beekeeping last year with one colony. Even with minimal knowledge my hive made it through winter and seems fairly strong. This spring I reversed the two hive bodies as I had read in a book to help reduce swarming. About one month ago I added a new shallow super hoping to add a place for honey storage. I've been checking hive periodically but the bees won't build any comb in it and only a few bees are in the super. Hive in lower two bodies seem healthy with a lot of bees and brood and top deep is heavy so I know there is some honey. Can someone please shed some light on why bees won't use this top shallow super? I was really hoping for a good honey crop this year. All help greatly appreciated!! THANKS.

 

[waynesgarden]

Hopefully, someone local can comment based on knowledge of conditions in your area. But in the meantime, what is in the shallow frames? Wax foundation or plastic foundation? Foundationless? Most theories (guesses?) will require this info.

Wayne

 

[Tenbears]

The bees are not drawing the honey super because there is no need to. There is not enough of a flow on to necessitate making extra storage space. With all the rain you have been experiencing, they may not be able to get out enough to gather surplus. if you don't see things change feed them 1 to 1 syrup as much as they will take. Of course they will store it in the super but it will get it drawn. Or just wait until the late season flow.

I am not trying to bust your bubble But, watch your hives for mites and Small hive beetles come august. New packages often come in mite free. and are plenty healthy to survive winter. things often change the second year. Then your metal will be tested.

 

[Bull]

Plastic frames

 

[Vance G]

I run mostly plastic frames and if the bees need the storage, they draw them just fine. They may be slower to start. Get a second super. When they are well started drawing your existing one you will need to put a second on. Put it on underneath the one partially filled and the bees will start working in it faster.