I have two hives that are weak for the winter. I will have to feed, when I was hoping I wouldn't have to.
These are TBHs.
Toward the back of the hives, there are 3 - 4 bars of comb, one or two which are large (but do not 'fill' the whole space), and one or two have very small comb (maybe dollar bill size). All of this comb is empty. No brood, no honey, no stores.
Should I remove these in order to place the follower board closer to the front to reduce their space in winter? They don't appear to be using them. Or do they need these to help overwinter, even though empty?