Knocking back hives???

[Cuckmere couple]

I only ever move from the nuc back to where she came from till they are built up

thanks Dani

v helpful

 

[ericbeaumont]

I looked at FB a few years ago and avoid it for the same reason.

I'd have to look at it to know to avoid it.

 

[Mark Bleay]

You're not mad. There are multiple reasons/triggers for swarming - appropriate space is just one, (if thats what s/he is aiming for). Probably the person has a specific goal in mind, though I cant imagine what.

I know a commercial bee keeper who does the evening up thing all the time to avoid swarming among other reasons.

 

[Murox]

Murox said:
You're not mad. There are multiple reasons/triggers for swarming - appropriate space is just one, (if thats what s/he is aiming for). Probably the person has a specific goal in mind, though I cant imagine what.

I know a commercial bee keeper who does the evening up thing all the time to avoid swarming among other reasons.

Please, explain this "evening up thing" and how/why it "avoids swarming" ; and what are the "other reasons" ?

 

[Mark Bleay]

Murox said:
You're not mad. There are multiple reasons/triggers for swarming - appropriate space is just one, (if thats what s/he is aiming for). Probably the person has a specific goal in mind, though I cant imagine what.


Please, explain this "evening up thing" and how/why it "avoids swarming" ; and what are the "other reasons" ?

Some colonies in Spring get ahead of others in development. If you take frames of brood from strong colonies that gives them more space and a slower build up thus mitigating swarming, put those frames of brood in to a slower colonies to build it up.

It means that all colonies are roughly equal and in all probability will be at swarming pitch around the same time, roughly, and they can be a Little more prepared for more active swarm control when the time comes. It can easily buy you some time to get a plan and kit together.

Of course, if you have qc's then you are past the point of evening up.

 

[user 819]

It can be counter productive and lead to colonies that provide a spring crop not doing so.

 

[ericbeaumont]

It means that all colonies are roughly equal and in all probability will be at swarming pitch around the same time, roughly,

This simplifies management because it treats the apiary as a single unit and not as a varied set of colonies: if one needs another box, they all will; if one is preparing to swarm, they will all need checking.

 

[Murox]

Some colonies in Spring get ahead of others in development. If you take frames of brood from strong colonies that gives them more space and a slower build up thus mitigating swarming, put those frames of brood in to a slower colonies to build it up.
It means that all colonies are roughly equal and in all probability will be at swarming pitch around the same time, roughly, and they can be a Little more prepared for more active swarm control when the time comes. It can easily buy you some time to get a plan and kit together.
Of course, if you have qc's then you are past the point of evening up.

As a commercial tool that might be an interesting choice. Whatever intervention you utilise the timing of it is the major reason for it being a reliable swarm prevention/control.
Certainly brood box congestion of some sort with little or no laying space for the Queen especially in early spring before a nectar flow is a key trigger for swarming. Adding a second brood box might give the Queen the possibility of moving onto empty comb above as she runs out of laying space in the lower brood box.
This year the weather has surely played a very significant role, with the cold and wet most bees remain in the hive, increasing congestion. I think the start stop nectar flows (including syrup feed) which stimulates them coupled with increasing pollen sources gathered on good days has also contributed towards swarming this year in particular, as it helps them reach their optimal level for swarming.

 

[Mark Bleay]

This simplifies management because it treats the apiary as a single unit and not as a varied set of colonies: if one needs another box, they all will; if one is preparing to swarm, they will all need checking.

Exactly, My friend in New Zealand applies this principle to his commercial set up and he runs literally thousands of hives.

 

[ericbeaumont]

As a commercial tool that might be an interesting choice.

The perception that beefarmers and beekeepers live on two different planets is a mistake. Re-focus the telescope and you'll see it's really only one, and that on it we share similar practical problems, goals and love for bees.

Balanced colonies are as beneficial to the 2-hive owner with limited time as to the beefarmer running 200 or 2000 (with even less time).

 

[Murox]

Balanced colonies are as beneficial to the 2-hive owner with limited time as to the beefarmer running 200 or 2000 (with even less time).

Absolutely.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

The perception that beefarmers and beekeepers live on two different planets is a mistake.

I don't know, there's definitely a few around who seem to live in a different galaxy!