In reply to Randy post
>I don't invest any effort into poorly-performing colonies.  But unless I have other use for the combs, I often just leave the colony alone to see whether it turns around.  It surprises me how often that occurs--the colony apparently "clears" itself of whatever was causing morbidity, and becomes a productive hive.

In spring when you are trying to hold down the very productive hives from swarming those small little colonies perk along nicely not a care in the world.  When you come to supering and even honey removal some of those swarmed hives equal those small little colonies, which have now built up to a nice hive.  

Cheers
Fiona
NZ

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