It can be hard to do splits during a dearth. If the bees aren't finding natural nectar they can be relentless at stealing it from other colonies.
As such, it really is best to split during a bloom so the foragers of the other hives are busy collecting nectar and not robbing.
If you do split during a dearth then make sure to shake in a LOT of nurse bees. You can use a robber type screen over the entrance to confuse the robbers - at least until the split is strong enough to fend for itself.
I typically like to take the queen away in a new split and place her somewhere with lots of resources. Leave the old hive to raise the new queen and as they have all the foragers and "guard" bees it's easier for them to defend it.
As such, it really is best to split during a bloom so the foragers of the other hives are busy collecting nectar and not robbing.
If you do split during a dearth then make sure to shake in a LOT of nurse bees. You can use a robber type screen over the entrance to confuse the robbers - at least until the split is strong enough to fend for itself.
I typically like to take the queen away in a new split and place her somewhere with lots of resources. Leave the old hive to raise the new queen and as they have all the foragers and "guard" bees it's easier for them to defend it.