New to bees last year with 2 packages. OK first year I think. One hive lost their queen but requeenedand made it through a fairly tough winter with a few stores left. Harvested 100 lbs. of honey off the other hive last year. They wintered well, lots of stores left. I planned on moving around some frames on Sun. last week-end, but they swarmed on Sat.. I captured them and all seems great so far. Installed 2 packages Mon. evening, one in a topbar and one in a conventional hive. Now that I captured the swarm, I think if I see the same situation next spring, I will split one a bit sooner. I really only want about 1 or 2 more hives if that, so next year if I go to splitting, I'll have to find someone else to get started in their becoming a beek. What happened to your packages? If you give the details on this page you'll get some great advise on how to succeed. :)