Tomorrow will be my first real inspection of the year. We have flowers out and I have seen the girls flying from my 1 hive. I did put a pollen patty on about a month ago, I just did not have weather temperature ect line up until now. There are also reports of early swarms in the area.
My goal is to split the hive this year, I have prepared a new hive with all foundation-less equipment. So my plan is to add a 3rd deep tomorrow and insert 10 to 12 new frames throughout the 3 deeps. Then in 2 weeks I will do a walkaway split intermixing the last of the frames. I have been told may 1-15 is the best for splits in this area. I will not be able to do anything for a large portion of the middle of may.
I would like any advice in this situation. Obviously if the hive is really weak tomorrow, the plan will have to change; but I feel it important to get some additional comb drawn.
My goal is to split the hive this year, I have prepared a new hive with all foundation-less equipment. So my plan is to add a 3rd deep tomorrow and insert 10 to 12 new frames throughout the 3 deeps. Then in 2 weeks I will do a walkaway split intermixing the last of the frames. I have been told may 1-15 is the best for splits in this area. I will not be able to do anything for a large portion of the middle of may.
I would like any advice in this situation. Obviously if the hive is really weak tomorrow, the plan will have to change; but I feel it important to get some additional comb drawn.