Well, things aren't quite as rosy as I would like but, if I've learned anything with this hobby, it's that it's a challenge. I need to be ready for anything.
Today, Hive #2, that has been a weak hive from Day 1, is without brood and queen and there's not enough honey for them through the winter unless something changes. I removed the super from that hive since there's no action in there at all. They don't need the extra space as we go forward into the fall. Last few nights were pretty cold for them. I did add more sugar syrup though since there are still a few frames with no comb and I'd like to see them making comb.
Hive #1 still doesn't have enough capped honey nor full enough frames for me to take any. I'm beginning to think I may not get any honey for myself this year. I've tried to make it an expanding year. Otherwise it looks good and strong. I removed the feeder from this hive. I just read that you shouldn't be feeding them syrup if you have supers on the hive. Oops. I didn't realize that. Perhaps that's why I see so much uncapped honey...it's really sugar syrup...at least for now. We have a bit more time in the season to see what happens here.
Hive #3 is still humming along slowly. There is brood in there as well as honey but only half the frames are filled or partially filled. But it has a queen so I am thinking of adding this hive to the top of Hive #2 with newspaper in between. Then, once they merge, the queen can help strengthen this hive. I will wait another week before doing this since I've been in the hive twice in two days. I'd better give them a break.
The Nuc seems to be doing ok too. There is capped brood and fresh eggs so there should be a queen but I didn't see her. It's only 3 frames though. I'm not sure what to do with this Nuc. It will need to get merged with another hive, probably, before winter since I don't know if there will be enough bees to keep themselves warm.
All things to think about. Meanwhile the fence has been recharged because I'm expecting more bear activity soon.
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