Ron Billet asks about side-by-side splits, in general, and specifically
doing them now
Ron, I believe the advice concerning movement of the split 2-3 miles has
principally to do with keeping the field bees.  You recognize that you are
going to lose them from your split and, in fact, losing them will make queen
acceptance a lot easier.  You also recognize that you should feed your split
to get them to build more foundation.
Be certain to wait for 24 hours after moving before introducing your new
queen cage.  This is not strictly necessary as she will be caged, but is
still a good idea.
I m not certain you need to feed the hive  left behind , or why you are
adding a deep to it.  If you will have a good flow, you don t need to feed.
If your flows are principally over, feeding is a good idea to draw out that
much foundation.  Presumably, you are adding a deep because either (1) you
want to winter in two deeps (sure you want to do that?) or (2) you want the
drawn comb for other reasons.  Otherwise, and if you are going to have a
flow, why not raise comb honey on this hive?  It is ideal for it, as you
will be creating an artificial swarm by your split, and the bees are primed
for drawing comb.
If you are not having at least a moderate flow when you split, be certain to
cut the bee entrance down to 1 -2  on the split.  Otherwise you could get
severe robbing and you don t want to go there!
John Summerfield commented on how easy it is to make splits, and he is
right.  I would only pause about the part concerning letting the bees raise
their own queen.  In the situation being described, the bees will raise
several queens from the larvae.  I have heard it said by several that I
respect that (in their desperation) the bees will not necessarily raise
their new queen from the ideal larvae that less than 36 hours old.  Say they
raise 5 queen cells, and one is started from larvae 60 hours old and the
rest from larvae less than 36 hours old.  The queen raised from the larvae
60 hours old will hatch first, and promptly kill the other queens in their
cells.  This queen will not have been well fed (because she started so late)
and will lack full ovary development.  She will be more likely than others
to be superceded early, fail to build good patterns and start early in the
spring, etc.
Good luck!
Lloyd
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Owner, Ross Rounds  the finest in comb honey production.