Best method of reducing space

[Islandbees]

Just wondering what methods folk use for reducing hive space in the winter? I have 2 hives on 6/7 frames (at last check) and was wanting to remove any unused frames and reduce space required to be heated. Any thoughts or options greatly appreciated.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I would be getting the bees to fill those frames with stores. Is it too late, where you are, to be feeding with invert syrup?
If it is then maybe push occupied frames together and dummy down with a piece of PIR, cut to fit exactly so there is no space around it, then add some fondant surrounded with insulation.

 

[Islandbees]

That was quick! I have been feeding with for about a month now and both have stopped taking anymore this week. The syrup is still on top for now. I was planning heading down this afternoon to remove feeder and place insulation on crown board but that can wait. It's about 10 degrees here, generally blowing a gale and heavy showers. So don't know if they've stopped because of the change in weather?? And I guess the fondant would be placed on top of frames. And thank you by the way

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Just wondering what methods folk use for reducing hive space in the winter? I have 2 hives on 6/7 frames (at last check) and was wanting to remove any unused frames and reduce space required to be heated. Any thoughts or options greatly appreciated.

Don't fiddle with them - they should have filled a lot of the unused frames with stores by now, but if not just leave them alone, they'll be needing that space in spring to expand again

 

[user 6228]

That was quick! I have been feeding with for about a month now and both have stopped taking anymore this week. The syrup is still on top for now. I was planning heading down this afternoon to remove feeder and place insulation on crown board but that can wait. It's about 10 degrees here, generally blowing a gale and heavy showers. So don't know if they've stopped because of the change in weather?? And I guess the fondant would be placed on top of frames. And thank you by the way

Would that be one of those big feeders and the hive is uninsulated?
if so it may be that your bees and your feed are too cold.

 

[Islandbees]

Yes it's a 4 pint feeder, I have removed the feeders today and put the insulation on the crown board. Planning on adding fondant over the frames for winter feeding.

 

[Finman]

Yes it's a 4 pint feeder, I have removed the feeders today and put the insulation on the crown board. Planning on adding fondant over the frames for winter feeding.

That is really strange. Really. Feeder off and fondant on! Makes no sense at all.

4 pint feeder, about 2.5 litres. That is really small. Get 8 litre feeder. Bees can fill the hive in couple of days.

15 litre polyfeeders are really good.

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[Finman]

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If the colony is small, and you want to reduce now the hive room, good way is to put bees and frames into two box nuc. Bees rise to upper box and they move uncapped food upstairs. That hive is warm to small colony.

you may do it yourself. Split polybox with table saw to equal parts. Make the missing walls from 4 cm kingspan. Glue it with polyurethane glue.(PU)
Spray surfaces with water mist, because water hardens the glue. Couple of nails too. Later you will need these boxes.



.

 

[Islandbees]

That is really strange. Really. Feeder off and fondant on! Makes no sense at all.

4 pint feeder, about 2.5 litres. That is really small. Get 8 litre feeder. Bees can fill the hive in couple of days.

15 litre polyfeeders are really good.

.

They've taken over 10 litres of syrup each and as has been said, they have stopped taking down syrup (possibly due to weather, no insulation?) therefore an 8 litre feeder won't help anymore than a 2.5 litre one.
I'll have to look at the 2 box nuc, never heard of one of those? Is it like a 2 story hive?

 

[Finman]

They've taken over 10 litres of syrup each and as has been said, they have stopped taking down syrup (possibly due to weather, no insulation?) therefore an 8 litre feeder won't help anymore than a 2.5 litre one.
I'll have to look at the 2 box nuc, never heard of one of those? Is it like a 2 story hive?

Yes, two store hive. Cluster moves vertically there in winter.