> A question for you pollinators: what is the general procedure you follow
when you have to combine hives to get the brood frame count up for almonds?
How do the bees react?  Any negative consequences?

I combine in late fall through winter (mild in Calif), clear into bloom in
Feb.  I just join boxes, or occassionally frames of bees and brood.  No
special technique or precautions.  Everyone just goes together fine.
fighting is extremely rare.  Often two queens will continue to lay side by
side for months!  But two weak colonies combined will not make even one
moderate colony.  Be careful not to combine sick or mite-infested colonies
with healthy colonies.
Randy Oliver

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