On 25 Mar 99, at 15:29, Computer Software Solutions L wrote: > What I would like to know, did I do the right thing by adding the extra > brood chamber?. And is there anything else I could have done or should do > now?. A nice problem to have. I can't even get to some of my hives yet! If that was my problem I would have opened up even further and rather than putting the new box on top, where it becomes a honey super, spread it through the hive by rearranging things. Sealed brood can stand a cooler part of the hive, so it could be pulled up into the top box, and the open brood could be left in the center of the nest. I firmly believe in reducing congestion by opening up the brood area and the big fear regarding chilled brood rarely happens. > > And why should just one hive in eight be absolutely bursting with bees? If someone can answer this one he must have a crystal ball. Possibly a better queen. I've seen queens from the same mother be good, some mediocre, but it's not predictable every time. > And a final question should I use the queen as a breeder, all other things > being equal?. Most certainly. The aim of every breeder should be big hives, slow starters are generally useless, especially for pollination where big, early, is a first requirement. ***************************************** The Bee Works, 9 Progress Drive, Unit 2, Orillia, Ontario, Canada.L3V 6H1. Phone (705)326 7171 Fax (705)325 3461 David Eyre, Owner e-mail<[log in to unmask]> http://www.beeworks.com This months special:-New style foundation. ****************************************