Putting runners in active national hive

[Menziesmeister]

I have had my fist colony in a national hive for a few months but realised that the metal runners are not on the brood super and the bees always get angry when I am putting the frames back during an inspection. Any tips on putting runners on now without disturbing the bees too much?
I am a new beekeeper so I am sure there is a straightforward way to fix this.

 

[Karsal]

It's not going to be an easy task. Frames will have to be lifted up at either end to put runners underneath. I'd be inclined to not to bother as they are not really needed. Bees and yourself will manage fine without them. Bees being angry could be for some other reason and not because runners aren't fitted.
Don't worry they'll manage perfectly well without them.

 

[Hebeegeebee]

You will need another super sooner or later, so fit runners to that and then move the frames across to the new super. Your existing super can then be adjusted as you wish.

 

[Millet]

You will need another super sooner or later, so fit runners to that and then move the frames across to the new super. Your existing super can then be adjusted as you wish.

x2

 

[Swarm]

I have had my fist colony in a national hive for a few months but realised that the metal runners are not on the brood super and the bees always get angry when I am putting the frames back during an inspection. Any tips on putting runners on now without disturbing the bees too much?
I am a new beekeeper so I am sure there is a straightforward way to fix this.

Something about this part makes me think we are talking about the brood box, not the super.
As there is less/no need for inspection now, I'd sort it out in Spring with a new box.
With no runners, you have to constantly make sure you are not squashing bees, not the easiest in a strong colony.

 

[REDWOOD]

100%

 

[victor meldrew]

I have had my fist colony in a national hive for a few months but realised that the metal runners are not on the brood super and the bees always get angry when I am putting the frames back during an inspection. Any tips on putting runners on now without disturbing the bees too much?

I am a new beekeeper so I am sure there is a straightforward way to fix this.

If you have a spare super , fit the runners to that, then swap the frames over ! Job done !


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[pargyle]

Something about this part makes me think we are talking about the brood box, not the super.
As there is less/no need for inspection now, I'd sort it out in Spring with a new box.
With no runners, you have to constantly make sure you are not squashing bees, not the easiest in a strong colony.

Spot on ... not worth messing with now - new box in the spring and some elbow grease with your hive tool, as they will have stuck the frames in like they never want you to get them out !

But, there'll be fewer bees in there then, you can pick your day to do it and be prepared and you could even work a few tricks like putting the new box where the old hive was situated, move the old hive more than a few feet away and give the flyers time to go back to the new box, then you will only have to deal with the nurse bees left in your original box, so even fewer bees to upset with your crowbar !

It's all a learning curve isn't it ? I forgot to put the crownboard back on one of my hives last week and got the shock of my life last night when I lifted the roof to see what they were up to ...and realised ... fortunately, they were more surprised than me and I've just rectified my stupidity in between showers today. Senility setting in I fear ...

 

[Swarm]

Had a similar experience a few weeks ago at my friend's apiary. He found out it's best to have solid crown boards, it was during the flow and the roofs were full of honey.

 

[pargyle]

Had a similar experience a few weeks ago at my friend's apiary. He found out it's best to have solid crown boards, it was during the flow and the roofs were full of honey.

I got lucky ... just a few bits of free comb stuck under the roof and a lot of surprised bees and one very surprised beekeeper. They let me put the crownboard back without complaint today and scrape the few bits of comb off the underside of the roof ... no harm done - I was in a rush, I had propped the crownboard against another hive stand and then just had one of those senior moments ! ***** ...

 

[enrico]

Don't forget that if you add runners it will lift the top bar of the frames by a couple of mm. This could end up with the the frames preventing the box above from sitting tight.depends where the bee space is, top or bottom!

 

[Menziesmeister]

Thanks all for your responses. It is the brood chamber alright but I think I will leave it until the spring and then attempt it. It's just hard putting back in the frames without squeezing bees between the frame end lugs and the rest at the edge. We'll get theough the rest of the season though. All learning as you say. Thanks again.