merging hives

[OH honey]

I came out of last winter with one hive. After splits 'n' swarms I ended summer with 3 and gave 1 away. I have merged a smaller swarmed hive with its stronger originator hive.
Both Q laying well, so i just put one on top of the other with paper in the hope that the bees would sort it out ( truth is I couldn't choose which Q to remove). As the weather is very mild, and both hives have eggs and larvae, i did an inspection to see whats what. Both Q still in respective BB. So,
1. will they reduce to one Q?
2. Will they settle in one BB so I can remove the other before colder weather?
2 xOA vapes completed and super of stores on.

 

[ericbeaumont]

Both Q still in respective BB

Risky to go into winter with one colony. Better to winter on two, perhaps lose one, build up the other next year. If you don't want to winter two separate hives, put a split board between the twins today (make sure each box has a Q, and the top box an entrance) and decide in spring which to keep. Feeding is a bit more work, but not much.

 

[OH honey]

Sorry, wasn't clear... reducing from 3 to 2. Other coliny is strong, laying Q, plenty of stores

 

[OH honey]

Sorry, wasn't clear... reducing from 3 to 2. Other coliny is strong, laying Q, plenty of stores

That is, I had 4 colonies from splits and swarms, ,gave 1 awayand was left with 3 hives 1 if which is a bit weaker ( from a swarm)

 

[ericbeaumont]

1 if which is a bit weaker

If you were to nuc the weaker split and it went through winter you could sell for £200 when nucs are in demand in spring. Why get shot of it now?

1. will they reduce to one Q?

Yes, probably and eventually.

2. Will they settle in one BB

Doubt it. Why would they, when they function quite nicely as two separate colonies?