winter preparation.

[malgreen]

So I have a very busy double brood box that has already given 4/5 supers. I slowly ran things down and currently have 2 supers on top. I intended removing one super and then leave just the 1 super on for winter. A couple of questions ? Is there anything wrong about leaving a capped super on over winter, if not can I leave it on top or should I place it under the brood boxes. I also intend to place the apiguard dish on top of the existing super frames ( if left on top) I would have started today but just to hot so have decided to wait until it cools down in next couple of days. Ahh just one more thing I have no reducer currently on the entrance should I be thinking of placing the standard one back. Many thanks.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Why do you think you need a super?

 

[malgreen]

just extra feed for them over winter really as it is a double brood didnt want them running short. Also concerned that if I took both supers away there would be space issues.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

just extra feed for them over winter really as it is a double brood didnt want them running short.

As it's a double brood, as the brood nest contracts, any feed will be stored in the vacant cells - there should be ample food in the two brood boxes to overwinter on.

 

[Anasrzi]

I've got a single brood (lang jumbo) to cater for, left them a single full super for winter which is now placed under the brood box along with some apilife against varroa. Not sure if one full one will be enough either but I have a feeder to use as well if need be.

 

[drex]

Not quite as far south as the OP, but mine overwinter with stores to spare on double brood, and are good strong colonies to go into winter. You want the stores as near to the brood nest as possible, hence like JBM I would not use a super. You could always place it under the brood and let them move the honey up into the BB.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

You could always place it under the brood and let them move the honey up into the BB.

Unless it's capped - in which case, extract, eat and feed sugar syrup

 

[Erichalfbee]

I've got a single brood (lang jumbo) to cater for, left them a single full super for winter which is now placed under the brood box along with some apilife against varroa. Not sure if one full one will be enough either but I have a feeder to use as well if need be.

That’s a big box
I’m sure they have enough room in the brood box alone. .

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

That’s a big box
I’m sure they have enough room in the brood box alone. .

 

[ShinySideUp]

If in any doubt put the super underneath (with no queen excluder) and remove in March. If they don't need it no harm done, if they do need it, it's there.

 

[For want of a better word]

If in any doubt put the super underneath (with no queen excluder) and remove in March. If they don't need it no harm done, if they do need it, it's there.

Good idea if you have not got the supers off in time and the girls have filled it with ivy honey.... uncapped of course!
The cleared super can go on top in the Spring to give bees more laying room....

Roll on next Spring !!

Chons da