I have the same problem this year. My bees have barely touched the honey
in the top deeps. We discussed this at our recent association meeting.
The best suggestion that I received, and one that I plan to follow, is to
use the capped frames as a food source for splits.
I hope to split my 2 strong hives into at least 3 new ones. I will take
the capped frames out, and replace them with undrawn rite-cell, alternating
capped and new foundation across the brood chamber.
This should give me a good food source, control swarming, and get me more
hives.
This plan will only work if the bees don't eat everything between now and
April 1st.
Steve Newcomb
Elyria, OH