Ideas Please

[Tindog]

I have inherited a 14x12 hive which has been very productive this year. The rest of my hives are Nationals and I would like to get the bees in a National hive next year if poss. What’s the best way and best time to do this please?
Andy

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Modified Bailey comb change.
Wait until they build up strength in the spring - put a standard deep brood box over the jumbo, leave them draw it out and move up naturally. Make sure the queen is up there then put a queen excluder underneath. once all the brood in the jumbo has emerged, take it away.
It may be an idea to make a narrow (10mm) eke with an entrance cut out of it to put above the QX to ensure drones can get out and they don't fill the bottom box with pollen.

 

[Ian123]

As above in spring as soon as they look like they need more room, the only thing I would add is a frame or 2 of drawn comb if you have it and a feed of 1-1 syrup to encourage them