Splitting after uniting a Q- hive with a very strong Q+ hive?

[Codford]

I will be inspecting a weak, possible Q- hive later today. If I decide to combine it with a strong Q+ hive (after testing with a frame of eggs/larvae), what is the best way to revert to two Q+ hives further downstream?

I don’t have another suitable site over 3 Km away, nor do I have a spare Q.

Both hives are 14x12 Nationals

Over to the collective wisdom of the forum.... and thank you!

[and no - I can’t sleep due to pondering the various options/modalities..!]

 

[drex]

I would build up the weak hive by adding bees and soon to emerge capped brood, then just add the breeding stock of my choice, in a suitable orientation, with the hives next door to each other

 

[Erichalfbee]

First make sure the weaker hive is healthy. No point in wasting resources on it if it is not. Put it in a nuc and requeen. Imported queens are available now to tide you over. If you want to go down the route of bolstering it with a frame of brood from a strong hive it should be emerging brood.

 

[Poly Hive]

Bit bemused by the 3k? You did mean 3 miles yes?

PH

 

[enrico]

The easiest way to revert to two hives from a double brood is just to split them. One will have the queen, even better if you do it when swarm control is needed. Keep an eye on both hives saving the best queen cell in the queen less hive and making sure the queen right hive does not swarm.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Demarree, then either make up a nuc with a good queen cell or run a two queen hive until she's proven then split.

 

[Codford]

Bit bemused by the 3k? You did mean 3 miles yes?

PH

Yes - I had forgotten about Brexit for a moment there...