removing Supers

[beepig]

Thinking ahead now. Into my second year but first spring set up. I have three colonies all doing well, have as yet had no need to feed but made a batch of fondant as back up for early spring.
My query is, when is the best time to remove the super from the bottom and replace over the brood box.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

In the spring when the bees are active and the colony building up (about the same time as you would normally put a super on your hive)

 

[Erichalfbee]

I take mine off at first inspection. They are usually empty. Leave it much later and the queen might start laying in there.....given that the brood nest in sufficient space is rugby ball shaped (pointy end up).
That's no real problem if she does....you just pop an excluder between the two.

 

[enrico]

I do it in two stages. Remove the bottom super in really early spring. Wait until they start to build and there is a nice flow on and the weather warms and then put on the top over a QE. If however you are talking about keeping it as a brood and a half then why swap! Leave the half underneath. Not too clear about your intentions!
My brood and a half always has the half under the brood box!
E

 

[Dusty Rhodes]

My brood and a half always has the half under the brood box!
E

Because.....?

Just interested. I run 14x12.

Dusty

 

[REDWOOD]

If you take the super below off early and put it straight on top then the colony can have a lot of heat loss and will take it's time building up, If you get the timing right you can do it in one.

 

[beepig]

Thanks al great advice. may leave as brood and a half then

 

[Arfermo]

Thanks al great advice. may leave as brood and a half then

By far the best plan.

 

[rowbow]

Thanks al great advice. may leave as brood and a half then

If you leave as brood and a half, fit the same amount of frames in as the brood
box.

rowbow