split into an observation hive

3254 Views 5 Replies 3 Participants Last post by Michael Bush, Jun 11, 2010

mcdermottm

Discussion Starter · #1 · Jun 9, 2010

I am a newbie. i purchased a few 10 med frame hives nearly 3 weeks ago. they are doing well and have about 17-18 frames drawn out each now. i have lots of capped brood, larvae, pollen, etc... they are both nice strong hives. my hubby and i built a five med frame observation hive for my birthday over the weekend. i want to make a split to load the observation hive. i would like to watch them make a new queen. do i take from just one hive...both?? what would be a good mix to take? i know i need newly laid eggs. what else? do i fill all five? :s
fyi::i chose 5 frames so that i can put them in a nuc before winter and overwinter them on top of one of my other hives.

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mcdermottm

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Joined Apr 27, 2010

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Discussion Starter · #4 · Jun 9, 2010

thanks for the info. so all of the frames should come from one of my hives? how do i shake bees into my observation hive?? do i close the tube off with grass for a few days until they consider this their new home?? the observation hive will be about 50 ft away from where the hives are now. the hive does have a feeder and i do have pollen patties. i used foundationless which they are drawing out beautifully. i combined the info from beesource plans and bush bees...thanks again michael bush!! :thumbsup: