Ok, another question - well, maybe several :-D. I am going to get hubbie to help replace the bottom board with the new screened bottom board which will be in on Monday. Had I gotten it on Friday I would have had it in place before I hived my bees, but I didn't.
Anyway, can he just pick up the whole hive box while I pull the old bottom board and replace it? Or should I take the frames out and put them in my unused second brood box then pick up the hive box and swap out? When I smoke the bees won't it drive them down to the bottom where I will be working to change out the bottom board? Is this a problem?
Keep in mind I just hived my bees and have never made an inspection of my bees before. I also need to remove the queen cage and make sure she is out and put in my tenth frame. To say I am nervous about the whole process in an understatement! Should I wait to change out the bottom board since they just got a new home, or is next weekend the best time to do it if the weather is sunny like they are predicting?
Thanks for your help !!!!