Don't Divide the Brood Nest!

Most colonies should have at least two frames with full pupa patterns on both sides by now. The bees probably haven't done much with the outer frames yet. Don't fall into the temptation to divide the brood nest by placing frames that aren't drawn-out in between frames with brood in them. Keeping the nest together is very important while night temperatures are still freezing or just barely above freezing. I plan on doing another complete hive check over the weekend. My bees were given their last sugar water last night. If your first brood box only has a couple frames left for the queen to lay in, you can add another brood box to the bottom of the hive. My entrance reducers are at the middle size now but if it drops cold I will change them back to the smallest entrances. Keeping a fresh water source for your bees all summer is vital! Steve Victors would like to recycle the boxes that the bees were shipped in so if you would like to contribute to this cause, please stay tuned for a date and time to drop the box(es) off. Bee careful!