Post by chuck on May 2, 2010 14:53:59 GMT -7
Background for this experiment. Two hives, one established original, and one split.
Late winter/very early spring, I found the split to be very light. At the same time the original seemed seemed heavy enough although I don't have the experience to say that with any authority. It was clear to me that the split needed feeding.
From that need to feed I decided to try an experiment. I acquired some Superboost, some pollen patties, and made ready to install the top feeder. I used two consecutive treatments of Superboost (two months) while feeding, pollen, and syrup to support the anticipated activity. Virtually everybody that went by the hive commented on the level of activity out of the split.
March 27 (apples blooming this year) I removed the top feeders and installed honey supers on both hives. The supers were of essentially undrawn comb with only enough to act as an attractant. Today, May 2, I took a look and the Original is at a nominal 35/40 percent capped Honey. Interesting to me was finding that the Split honey super was nominally ten percent ahead of that with 45/50 percent capped honey. I may have to add another honey super to the split in a couple of weeks to avoid crowding them.
My anecdotal observation would be that the smaller (split) went from being light and in need of feed to the more active heavier producer.
Next spring, no experimenting, if the hives is still with me both are going on the Spring Regimen.
Late winter/very early spring, I found the split to be very light. At the same time the original seemed seemed heavy enough although I don't have the experience to say that with any authority. It was clear to me that the split needed feeding.
From that need to feed I decided to try an experiment. I acquired some Superboost, some pollen patties, and made ready to install the top feeder. I used two consecutive treatments of Superboost (two months) while feeding, pollen, and syrup to support the anticipated activity. Virtually everybody that went by the hive commented on the level of activity out of the split.
March 27 (apples blooming this year) I removed the top feeders and installed honey supers on both hives. The supers were of essentially undrawn comb with only enough to act as an attractant. Today, May 2, I took a look and the Original is at a nominal 35/40 percent capped Honey. Interesting to me was finding that the Split honey super was nominally ten percent ahead of that with 45/50 percent capped honey. I may have to add another honey super to the split in a couple of weeks to avoid crowding them.
My anecdotal observation would be that the smaller (split) went from being light and in need of feed to the more active heavier producer.
Next spring, no experimenting, if the hives is still with me both are going on the Spring Regimen.