Winter Stores

[reigate]

I have one colony with a full super. would it be possible to extract this super as there are 4 frames of stores in the brood box or can i extract the super and
feed syrup for winter stores.

 

[Anasrzi]

We're in a similar position, we're taking three frames maybe four tomorrow and leaving them the rest for winter. Will feed with syrup too as I'm not greedy.

 

[Erichalfbee]

If they have stores in the brood box take the honey and supplement with syrup. What size box have you? I run 14x12 and the bees certainly don’t need a super if honey as well as what’s in the brood. A lot of bees overwinter quite happily on a standard National brood. It depends what bees you have.

 

[Beefriendly]

I have one colony with a full super. would it be possible to extract this super as there are 4 frames of stores in the brood box or can i extract the super and
feed syrup for winter stores.

Personally I would extract, they have plenty of stores left so take your reward.
If it's any help I do most of my winter feeding late September through October.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Extract, feed, no need for super

 

[malgreen]

Winter store

Just spun some more honey off the hive and will be leaving a super on over winter. In fact had to put another one back as a lot of uncapped honey. The hive was exceptional especially as my other hive produced nothing. I got 35 pounds of spring honey and another 72 pounds of summer. So they have 2 uncapped supers which are each about 70% full so will definitely leave 1 for all their hard work. As a newbie I don't know if I will keep on next year as my non productive hive has taught me that there are just to many unknowns we will see.

 

[Erichalfbee]

As a newbie I don't know if I will keep on next year as my non productive hive has taught me that there are just to many unknowns we will see.

Malgreen, stick with it
The first year or two are about learning to work with your bees not worrying about honey
Bees are a challenge. Fascinating but challenging. Good job you have two hives.
Next year will be better.

 

[Swarm]

Just spun some more honey off the hive and will be leaving a super on over winter. In fact had to put another one back as a lot of uncapped honey. The hive was exceptional especially as my other hive produced nothing. I got 35 pounds of spring honey and another 72 pounds of summer. So they have 2 uncapped supers which are each about 70% full so will definitely leave 1 for all their hard work. As a newbie I don't know if I will keep on next year as my non productive hive has taught me that there are just to many unknowns we will see.

And your productive colony has given you a wonderful surplus. Glass half full approach.

 

[malgreen]

Malgreen, stick with it
The first year or two are about learning to work with your bees not worrying about honey
Bees are a challenge. Fascinating but challenging. Good job you have two hives.
Next year will be better.

Thanks for reply

 

[malgreen]

And your productive colony has given you a wonderful surplus. Glass half full approach.

Thank you for encouragement.