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Subject:
From:
"Joel W. Govostes" <[log in to unmask]>
Reply To:
Discussion of Bee Biology <[log in to unmask]>
Date:
Thu, 2 Jan 1997 12:54:54 -0500
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(2nd try at transmittal)
 
The economics of making divisions really depends on the nature of the
nectar flows in your area, and of course the weather.
 
Here in the NE, we can make splits in May, about when the colonies are
starting to get congested and may be starting swarm preparations.  A
three-four frame nuc of mostly sealed brood and bees, provided with a queen
or queen cell, will usually build up well and by early July will start
storing surplus honey.  Meanwhile, the parent colony will be relieved of
congestion and keep on growing without resorting to swarming.  In fact, in
my experience the parents will store more surplus than if not "pruned" in
this way.  The removal of brood and bees seems to have a positive,
invigorating  effect on the parent, rather than setting them back
appreciably.  (This only applies to good strong, vigorous colonies, already
working in supers by end of May (NY).)
 
After making the splits the big colonies normally will shift into high gear
&  really get to work!  (Just adding plenty of super space does not seem to
have the same effect.)
 
Without making a division, the original colony often gets bogged down and
activity declines.  IME
 
So, here, anyway, with the drawn out flows of summer and autumn, you can do
better overall by "pushing them", making splits, as long as it is
early enough.  The removed brood isn't necessarily used to start new
colonies, but can also be added to weaker colonies whose buildup has been
slow, or it can be re-united to the main hive after the swarming period is
over.
 
It is much easier than trying to deal with strong colonies intent on making
swarm preparations.       ..,  FWIW!

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