I just started with a package last spring. They had filled the bottom deep with bees, honey, and brood, so I added a second deep. They managed to get about 2-3 frames filled and capped with honey, when the drought started and the flow stopped. I checked early fall and the bottom was mostly empty of everything but bees. After asking some advice, I decided to feed some sugar water which they placed in the empty comb in the bottom deep. A warm day a few weeks ago, I looked in, and they still have the capped honey in the top, some sugar water through the bottom, but there were not many bees left off to the east side towards the front. Nearby was an empty frame which I placed to the far outside and moved a sugar water frame in its place.
Now, I'm thinking the bees knew they had enough honey to get them through. But at the same time, I understand they use a lot raising brood. I noticed some bringing pollen in a week ago, where from I don't know. My question is, should I do some rearranging? I hear larger hives go to the top during the winter so thought they need the honey when they move up. But being so few bees, should those frames of honey be put next to them and the top deep removed? I hate to upset any of their preplanned balance, but I'm afraid they have too much space to defend. Any suggestions and if I should move the honey, where should it be arranged?
Thanks.