Hello There from Pender Island, one of the Southern Gulf Islands off the coast of British Columbia, Canada:
I'm a newbee. Took an introductory local course. Walking the dog one morning, I mentioned my new bee status to a neighbour. She pointed out the hives that were still in her garden left a long time ago by the person who was teaching the Bee course. Great Plans, but life had gotten in the way. I asked & received permission to refurbish 6 mediums, a truck-load of 8" frames, and an inner cover & lid.
Purchased a new screened bottom board and scrubbed my fingers raw. Painted them up nicely and waited for my NUC to arrive. All this time it never occured to me. I had made the choice to work with mediums, so no deeps. I'm doubting that decision now, but then it seemed a great co-incidence to acquire what I needed without cost.
It rained the day we picked up the NUC. After getting up at 5:00 am, a ferry ride at 7:30am a short drive, a return ferry - we were putting the bees in their new home before it occurred to me. I have a truck-load of 8" frames, I have 6 mediums and now I am attempting not to piss off a bunch of bees while I contemplate 5 - 10" frames and just how will they fit in a medium suited for 8" frames.
Because it was raining & I was discovering bees can sting through wet denim. (I had a hooded jacket, gloves only) I placed an empty medium under the box with the 5 frames and used my hive tool to shave off the comb they were building on top on the frames so as to get the lid on.
My question is . . . Have I killed them? I'm advised to check in a few days. I have a top feeder with little floatie things so they don't drown when drinking, and I'll give them a few days before I go look.
I'm just wondering how this will initially affect them - with all that empty space beneath the frames, should I put some frames in the bottom? The bees are established on 10" frames & I'd like to work with 8" frames . . .how do I transition ?
Not such an auspicious beginning I'm afraid...
Any experienced advice would be appreciated.