What would be the minimum number of frames covered by bees 2-3 weeks prior
to the main spring honey flow?.  I seem to have a majority of hives with
12-15 deep frames covered, but one hive with 20 deep and 40 medium frames
covered.  I also have 3 hives with only 6 medium frames covered.  All have
been medicated the same (for varroa and tracheal mites) with the exception
of the large one and it has not been treated in 2 years.  They are set up so
that drifting rarely occurs, if at all.  No other variations known.  All
were fed sugar solution from the end of January on, again with the exception
of the large hive.  The large hive is extremely aggressive and is the only
one that has stung me this year.  It does so 4-5 times/week.  They start
bumping as soon as I am within 20 feet or so.  I always work them last, by
which time there are usually several hundred guard bees out on the front
covering the entrance.  I am not in an AHB area but I do think that the
aggressive tendency of this hive may have aided its success.  No mites
detected in it so far this season.  I am wondering if I should be combining
my intermediate hives to increase my honey yield this year and yet I do not
want to if it is not necessary.  I can't imagine the smaller ones producing
honey this year and so will just work to build them up this year.  I will
likely raise a few queens from my large hive this year but do no want an
aggressive bee yard.
So after all that- my 2 questions are:
1.) Should I combine my medium hives to make them stronger?
2.) Does anyone know of anyone in the US who raises great cordovan italians?
Thanks,
James

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