I hived a package a week ago and the bees seem to be adjusting well. The first few days were on the cool side so the bees stayed home those days. The last few days have been nice and warm and the bees have been active. I have a reducer in the entrance, reduced down to the smallest setting, but there is a lot of congestion at the entrance at times. I would just open up to a larger setting (the obvious solution I think), however my neighbor has 10 hives about a half mile away. I can see them from my hive.
My question - Is it better to keep the entrance reduced down and have congestion for a while until the colony builds up? Or better to open it up a little and give the bees better access to work. I don't think there is a honey flow going yet. I have been putting out a feeder about 50 yards away, as well as a top hive feeder, and the bees are lapping up the sugar water. Sorry if this is covered elsewhere, I looked to see where this might be covered but didn't see it. Thanks in advance for any insight!
PS - you all are so very helpful - I am thoroughly enjoying learning about beekeeping from all the posters - what a great forum!!!