first spring inspection

[Ammerbee]

I'm looking to do my first inspection next week - I have two double brood colonies now - I was advised only to look at the top box but wondered if this was standard - thanks

 

[Anduril]

For this time of year it depends on your colony, they may only be in the top box. Some big colonies might have brood in the top part of the lower box.

 

[drex]

Did all mine yesterday. Two weak, one had a bit of chalk but the rest were strong and healthy. In most the brood nest was in top box only, but did extend over both boxes in a few.

The top boxes were the messiest, but bottoms needed a clean up too. A beautiful day, no wind, bright sun and 16 degrees.

I just settled for the spring clean and will unite and equalise in a week or so, when they really get going. Queen had recently had a brood break in all of them. Quite a bit of sealed crystallised stores, which got a scrape and a spray. They were bringing in loads of pollen, but little stored in the frames. Could have done with some patties this year.

Decided I do not like the white queen marking pens, it had worn off most of them - I only use red, yellow and white and note down queen age.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

I would want to look at both boxes myself. If you are not sure what to do after that, then put the hives back together and leave them and decide later. You can go back another day.

drex - had the same problem - enforced brood break due to cold weather, no flying and no pollen. It's now coming in well.

 

[Eyeman]

Went through my Five 14x12's at one out-apiary. All were overwintered with a super sans QE.
Every hive was jam packed with honey, brood, and bees. Removed 2 frames of stores from each brood box and replaced with drawn comb and added x2 supers with drawn comb to each over a QE. All queens safey back in the brood box.
Look good for a strong spring honey flow.

 

[madasafish]

I always inspect bottom box first. If no/few bees, remove no frames - cursory look. Otherwise quick frame remove and inspection (as yesterday with beginner )

See: https://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?p=626461&posted=1#post626461

 

[enrico]

The good thing with two box's is that if you are in a hurry, or have multiple hives you can split the box's tip the top box and any queen cells are likely to be at the bottom of the frames of the top box. If none you can just put it back together again.
Of course this doesn't always work, but that is the theory.
E

 

[Eyeman]

The good thing with two box's is that if you are in a hurry, or have multiple hives you can split the box's tip the top box and any queen cells are likely to be at the bottom of the frames of the top box. If none you can just put it back together again.
Of course this doesn't always work, but that is the theory.
E

Can't you do the same with a single brood box. QC's still likely to be on bottom. Just have to bend over a bit more to take a peek. Need to make sure your floor is up to the job of having a tilted brood box balancing on it!