At 12:44 PM 1/4/97 -0500, you wrote:
> * Originally By: Int:[log in to unmask]
> * Originally To: Watchman
> * Originally Re: Making Splits
> * Original Date: 01-02-97  12:07
> * Original Area: E-mail
> * Forwarded by : Blue Wave/386 v2.20
>
>[log in to unmask] wrote:
 
>> Hello All!
>>
>> Well, it's January now so I guess we frightened, apprehensive, new-bees
>> can start some threads on spring management!  I am entering into my third
>> season of beekeeping, and have two hives, both started last year from 5
>> pound packages.  (I lost all ONE of my hives the year before to mites and
>> ignorance).  The packages did very well last year, and seemed very strong
>> going into winter.  I took my honey off early,  (1st week in  Sept.) and
>> left the fall flow for the bees, I also treated with Apistan as soon as
>> my honey was off and did not seem to have a great mite problem when I
>> closed up for the winter.  Recent inspections on our recent 65-70 degree
>> days have revealed a lot of activity, and the hives still seem fairly
>> heavy with stores.
>>
>> My question is this.  I plan to split both of my hives this year to head
>> of swarming and to increase my number of hives from two to four.  I know
>> this is a VERY regional thing with times varying widely based on climate,
>> but I would appreciate some tips from you on how to proceed, what to look
>> for, and any horrifying/great success stories you may have.  I plan to
>> review "The_Hive_and_the_Honeybee" for more tip/procedures, and would
>> also appreciate more reading suggestions.
>>
>> Thank you very much, for myself, and other beginners who will benefit
>> from this thread.
>>
>> Steve Creasy-
>> Maryville, Tennessee, USA
>> Prov. 24:13, 25:16
> Honey production is directly proportional to the availability of nectar
>and honeybee population. Splitting your honeybee population will achieve
>pricesely that, reduced honey production by a big factor! You have to
>decide on what you want to have more hives or more honey! It might be
>wiser for you to buy package honeybees (notice that I always use the
>word honeybees as in contrast to just bees!) and go for the honey! (I
>love puns!) Economics, dear friend!
>Don't forget: If economics allow, come and visit the 54th AFC onvention
>at Norfolk, Virgina (USA) 15-18 Jan 97.
>HAPYY NEW YEAR. MERRY BEEKEEPING.
>Dr. Pedro P. Rodriguez
>Virginia Beach, Virginia 23454
>Phone:757-486-1573
>[log in to unmask]
>
>
>... ISLAM:  If stuff happens, it's the will of Allah.
>
>___ Blue Wave/QWK v2.20
 
A study in the Bee Journal on honey production maybe two years ago
demonstrated that splitting a colony-- or at least removing a portion of the
brood and bees, I can't remember if it was an actual 2 from 1 split--
INCREASED the honey production.  I didn't think it was correct either,(and
those doing the research were surprised) but that is what their records
indicated.  I'm sorry I cannot give the date of the magazine, perhaps
someone else on the list can remember it also.
Bill Van Roekel
Ames, Iowa
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