Don't know how heavy the hive is but the two hives I have are also small. One has less than 2 cup full of bees. I close them up when its going to get below 35 and put them in my garage. I also, when it's nice out side, take the top off and pour honey on top of the frames so the can put it directly into the comb. Just a trinkle on top, not enough that it runs over the side of the comb.