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First year and first hive. I installed the package middle of May. I had frames with drawn comb so the queen went to work right away. After a few weeks the bottom box had activity on most frames with lots of capped brood, etc. I added a second deep box with 8 frames. 1 had drawn comb, some have foundation, and some were foundationless with just fishing line. I added a feeder a week and a half ago to see if they would start drawing in the second deep and they did. They seem to like the empties with the fishing line because they started building on them first. Right now probably 40-50% of the frames in the top box are drawn and have bees on them. One of the frames was covered with capped brood and larvae so the queen has been up there and laying. I was thinking next week I could add a medium I have with 8 frames. At this point is it OK to add that next weekend or should I monitor it and make sure it is closer to 80% full.
Right now I have about a 4 inch opening. When, if ever, should I open the entrance all the way up?
My hive is across the street from my house at an apple orchard so there should be a decent supply of food most of the year. I know he has a large pumpkin crop and some other plants that bloom a little later in the year.
Right now I have about a 4 inch opening. When, if ever, should I open the entrance all the way up?
My hive is across the street from my house at an apple orchard so there should be a decent supply of food most of the year. I know he has a large pumpkin crop and some other plants that bloom a little later in the year.