Very presumptive of me....

[Jonnyl]

.....but I'm already thinking of next year and how to expand safely. I'm using a 14x12 and should they make it through the winter im concerned about when to put a super on. My thinking is that it could be an idea to place the super on when i first give them 1x1 syrup as they will draw out foundation in the super (i dont have any drawn super comb) so they will have somewhere for stores when the flow commences? Is this right or should i simply feed them if required and place the super on without drawn comb when the flow starts? Thabk you to you all. Cheers

 

[Curly green fingers]

If like me you might be thinking about having to remove stores in early spring if the ivy flow keeps going the way it's going . For the queen to lay first.
You will have to access the situation then when your flows start you might end up having to put another box in place if your queen's prolific for space to lay your bee's will use that flow first for brood then start to store any excess above then you will need to put a super on .
I hope I've got this right folks?.

 

[Anduril]

When you have 6 frames of brood in your 14x12, would be the time to add a super. But do not use sugar syrup after adding it as you will end up with syrup in the drawn foundation.

 

[Murox]

Timing will be very important. You really do need a prolific queen, as you will suddenly virtually double the size of the hive. Have a read about how to encourage them to draw comb.

 

[Jonnyl]

What I've read about them drawing comb is that they'll only do it when the need to unless their fed. I suppose I'll wait till the 6 frames are covered and then pop on an excluder and let them get on with it when the flow starts. Thanks.