Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => DOWN UNDER BEEKEEPING => Topic started by: Abydos on May 22, 2013, 01:11:29 am

Title: 2nd Supper for Winter
Post by: Abydos on May 22, 2013, 01:11:29 am
I have a question about putting a second super on my bees a month and half out from winter. My bees started from a 5 frame nuc which I got in early March and they are doing really well. The 10 fr brood box is just about full. Should I put a second supper on before winter or leave them alone. The winters here in Coffs Harbour are pretty mild so they should be able to still forage during the day.

Thanks
Abydos
Title: Re: 2nd Supper for Winter
Post by: chriso38 on May 22, 2013, 05:46:11 am
Abydos, personally I would have a dig around and see what sort of pollen and honey stores they have, if they are still drawing out frames reasonably quick then give them another box. But I would not give it to them until u were up to at least frame 9 or at the start of drawing out the 10th frame, especially at this time of year.. that my two cents anyway. ;)
Title: Re: 2nd Supper for Winter
Post by: kanga on May 22, 2013, 08:11:57 am
Abydos

With your night time temperature currently getting down to single figures I would not be in a hurry to add a second super. I would rather see them go into winter has a strong single and look to add the second super as soon as it starts to warm up towards the end of winter.

I know you included in you post your location but you might like to add your location in your profile so anyone wishing to provide advice can see quickly where you live.

All the best with your bees.

Kevin
Title: Re: 2nd Supper for Winter
Post by: Abydos on May 28, 2013, 10:08:08 pm
Thanks for the answers,

They are just starting to draw the outside frames and there is plenty of honey and pollen on the other 8 frames. They are flying well during the day.
So I will leave the second super till early spring.

Again thank for the help.

Stephen.