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Author Topic: Best practice regarding merging frames of bees  (Read 1613 times)

Offline Caleb012

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Best practice regarding merging frames of bees
« on: May 01, 2013, 09:43:03 pm »
What is the best way to combine smaller numbers of frames into a 10 frame box? I realize that the newspaper combine is suggested for merging 2 colonies. What if one only wishes to combine 2...3...perhaps 4 frames of bees to a stronger colony? What is the best way to prevent conflict? Thank you very much.

Offline hardwood

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Re: Best practice regarding merging frames of bees
« Reply #1 on: May 01, 2013, 10:25:51 pm »
I'm sure you'll hear different opinions, but what I do is smoke the snot outta them and transfer the frames. Don't have time for anything else.

Scott
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Offline Vance G

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Re: Best practice regarding merging frames of bees
« Reply #2 on: May 01, 2013, 10:26:04 pm »
A piece of newspaper will go between frames too.  Try to off the queen of the weak colony you are combining.  Put  five drops of vanilla extract and a couple big spoons of sugar in a cup of water and put it in an empty windex sprayer and make them all smell alike and the newspaper isn't really neccessary.  

Offline RHBee

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Re: Best practice regarding merging frames of bees
« Reply #3 on: May 02, 2013, 02:13:22 am »
More good information from both of you guys. Thanks
Later,
Ray

Offline my-smokepole

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Re: Best practice regarding merging frames of bees
« Reply #4 on: May 02, 2013, 08:06:32 am »
Spray hive and frame with vanilla add to your Surup
David
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Online Michael Bush

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Re: Best practice regarding merging frames of bees
« Reply #5 on: May 02, 2013, 10:22:50 am »
Two weak hives are usually happy to see some help, but some confusion is helpful.  A lot of smoke makes confusion...
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