4 way Brood Box & Critical Mass

[Spikedog]

Have 4 laying Q’s in Apedias and am wondering if we used Broodbox divided in four compartments - despite positive warmth variable - come springtime would the (failing) adult bee/brood ratio in each small unit be likely to fall below the critical mass to survive. Often need Q’s in Spring.

 

[Obee1]

Have 4 laying Q’s in Apedias and am wondering if we used Broodbox divided in four compartments - despite positive warmth variable - come springtime would the (failing) adult bee/brood ratio in each small unit be likely to fall below the critical mass to survive. Often need Q’s in Spring.

I have a wooden 14/12 brood box split into three compartments (3 frames apiece) which is intended for overwintering spare queens. will have to report back how it goes!

 

[Poly Hive]

OP? Make little ekes from insulation board some 1" high and fill with fondant. Provided you top them up and they are reasonably sheltered they will come through.

Triple split BB? My money is on one unit surviving as one will have better pheromones and attract the workers over to her. Tried it,waste of time in my experience.

Good luck

PH

 

[madasafish]

Make three frame nucs out of insulation board.. Cheap and easy.

 

[Finman]

Have 4 laying Q’s in Apedias and am wondering if we used Broodbox divided in four compartments - despite positive warmth variable - come springtime would the (failing) adult bee/brood ratio in each small unit be likely to fall below the critical mass to survive. Often need Q’s in Spring.

Not good idea. Make bigger colonies.
IT is much more easier than play with those dwarfs. Useless game.

I have over wintered even one frame nucs. But they are not abke to start brooding. You must steal workers from bigger hives. And best hives become weaker.

But after all whole playing makes no sense.

You have the whole summer to make one box colonies. Why don't you do that.
.

 

[Finman]

I have a wooden 14/12 brood box split into three compartments (3 frames apiece) which is intended for overwintering spare queens. will have to report back how it goes!

I have done it during 50 years. Not a single recommendation about that. IT is a toy.