Honey super or brood and a half?

[Pips]

So, firstly apologies for yet another question! The bees are very busy! Have two young colonies (my first) one from a swarm and one from remains of a swarm. The swarmed colony is super busy- very active bringing back lots of pollen. They have filled about 7 frames with 3/4 brood so now is the time to add a super but not sure what sort. I don't want the bees to swarm but equally don't want the colony to get too big as the bees are very close to the house and we have dogs. If I add the super as a honey super rather than a brood will they think they don't have enough room and swarm? I will remove any queen cells etc to help prevent this. Would prefer to keep the brood within a national standard brood chamber. Thank you for all advice so far- much appreciated.

 

[Cazza]

Never apologise for asking a question.

Some bees are perfectly happy in one national BB, most will outgrow this. It depends on your bees.

If you try to restrict colony size it is more likely to result in swarming and is not a good strategy to try. I would have thought that a BB full of bees near your house is just as big a hazard as a hive twice the size.

Brood and a half (super) may not be big enough, better to go for double brood.

Removing QC's will not help and is not a sensible strategy.

If it was me, I might add a BB under the current one before anything else.

Cazza

 

[Pips]

Why underneath rather than on top?

 

[Cazza]

Why underneath rather than on top?

If you pop it on the bottom, it's there if the bees need it and as heat rises isn't creating a vast empty space over the current brood. It's also easier when it comes to inspections as you don't have to take it off to keep an eye on the original BB when you inspect.

Cazza

 

[Pips]

Great tip, thank you. Didn't think about that. Just don't want a massive colony!

 

[Pips]

Can I put a super underneath instead?

 

[Dishmop]

Great tip, thank you. Didn't think about that. Just don't want a massive colony!

Dont bother telling the bees that because its their natual instinct to create as many bees as they can until they run out of room.

You need to find out about creating artificiail swarms and splits before its too late...

 

[enrico]

Two things, you can't really control the size of the hive or if they are going to swarm, or at least try really hard to do so! Both of these things are instinct. A large hive does not mean that it will be any more trouble than a small hive! One bee sting is all it takes!
So ....... My suggestion is that you add a super under the bb to make it brood and a half. They will use it if necessary but shouldn't get too frustrated with lack of space, then make sure you keep on top of the super situation above the QE if you are using one.
Even better, look up all the information you can about using a demaree method of swarm control. It sounds as though it would suit you ideally. It allows you to manipulate the bees so that they always have room but always on a single brood chamber below the QE. It is no guarantee that they will not swarm as that is how bees reproduce after all and we all want to do that! ( another story!)
Finally I would suggest you look for an out apiary for when your bees might get a bad hair month! It happens and you may need to move that at very short notice so start looking now!
Hope this helps
E

 

[Pips]

Thank you, sounds like good advice. . Will look up that method. We do have somewhere the bees can go if bad, but wanted them close so I can say hello to them everyday and check all going well outside hive at least. So far, so good- they do not bother any one- just fly straight out and up and happy for people to come quite close to hive to look at them, though I know that things will change when they are guarding honey and have grown in number.

 

[Pips]

Just looked it up- looks like the Bailey frame change method which I need to do anyway. Hurrah!

 

[Cb50]

Just looked it up- looks like the Bailey frame change method which I need to do anyway. Hurrah!

Very useful debate. I was trying to ask whether to add more brood space in my last post. Useful to read, thanks