Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: SawBee on March 23, 2013, 05:45:09 pm

Title: Combining New Packages
Post by: SawBee on March 23, 2013, 05:45:09 pm

Quote from Finski in another thread:

"The best build up you get if you join 2 packages. Nothing wins that system."

I'm expecting 4 new packages if the next few weeks.  If I combine two packages with plans to split them later,  will I have stronger hives than I would if I just feed each of the four individual packages?

Title: Re: Combining New Packages
Post by: bailey on March 23, 2013, 05:54:43 pm

What are you going to do with the 2 extra queens?
Wouldn't it be better to buy a bigger package?
Bailey

Title: Re: Combining New Packages
Post by: SawBee on March 23, 2013, 05:59:07 pm

I would bank the queens or use them to re-queen another hive if needed.   Yes, a bigger package would be great, but the packages are ordered and being shipped from Georgia.  Early spring packages aren't available in Kansas.

Title: Re: Combining New Packages
Post by: bailey on March 23, 2013, 06:04:18 pm

I would keep those queens and put them in nucs if you have them. Let the packages build up fast and try for honey in the spring while nucs build up.  Then hive nucs after they fill out.
After honey flow then make splits from the big hives. You wind up with6 hives that way
And possible honey production
Bailey

Title: Re: Combining New Packages
Post by: SawBee on March 23, 2013, 06:50:30 pm

Great suggestions Bailey.   Many thanks!