Next years plan with my colony*

[Browntea]

Since march (as a total beginner) *this hive was in a right mess,Upside down, and comb all over the place but all parts in a useable condition apart from the floor which was rotton! I've concentrated on building this colony up in the hope of maybe splitting into one other, this hasnt happened due to swarming, so next year my plans are to split and hopefully have at least 2 by the end of summer.*
I'm not at all interested in taking honey from them, this years has been left on and a few frames that were taken off when I inherited the hive have been given back.*

When next year should I start looking into a split?

*Obviously providing they come through the winter strong, which I hope they do...(national hive since march, then I've put a WBC floor and outer over them for a wee bit more protection) varoa treatment complete and there still taking 2.1 syrup but slowing down in the taking of it.*

My ultimate aim is to have at least half a dozen colony's as soon as it's possible from my own bees, I don't want to buy any from anywhere, they seem very good natured requiring no smoke on inspections.*

Comments welcome*

 

[Tom Bick]

The plan sounds a reasonable one.

Obviously this year your bees were ahead of the game regarding your expansion plans and split the hive for you and typically I suspect disappeared over the fence, bugger.

Providing you come through the winter in good shape then you should be able to build up your hives with splits and AS.

If this was me I would go for three strong hives for the end of next season from the one you have now. Others will say different.

Regarding the good nature of your bees that is good and I hope it continues. I don’t know the strain of your queen but some have a reputation that 1st and 2nd generation queens can be less than gentle, just a word of caution.

Good look

 

[oliver90owner]

this hasnt happened due to swarming,

Simple. Do exactly the same as this year only don't lose the swarm!!