Randy wrote:

>The rates of growth of package bees in the northern states and Canada amaze
>me.  However, there are certain biological limitations to how fast colonies
>can build up, even when provided with an excess of forage.  Thus it
>typically takes 8-10 weeks for a 2-lb package to grow large enough to be a
>serious honey producer.
>
>I've spent a bit of time in modeling colony buildup.  With small clusters
>in cool-night regions, there isn't enough thermoregulated brood area for
>the queen to hit full laying capacity. 

Interesting.  In the past, I’ve had packages that were able to build up and produce a couple of medium supers with a good fall flow.  This spring, I had a package that was unusually heavy.  I’m guessing they accidentally overfilled it and just left it as is, rather than adjust it.  I didn’t weight it, but it felt more like five pounds, instead of three.  Anyway, it grew VERY rapidly and currently is filling a fifth super (they were on the fourth by July).  It’s actually my best producer.  I had been wondering, if the higher quantity of workers had allowed them to 1) bring in more stores quicker (the spring flow was just kicking into gear, when I added them), and 2) cover more brood for the queen, so she could maximize egg-laying.  Now, I don’t have to wonder about it.

Thanks!

(Still) Gimpy Bill
Claremont, NH
New England, US

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