As detailed under a previous topic, I have lost one of my two colonies throuigh the winter. Assuming that the remaining colony will survive through to spring, how can I begin preparing them to make a split, and what is the proper procedure for making a split. I need a plan.
When it is so warm that bees can get water from soil, give to colony protein patty:
1 part radiated pollen
1 part baker yeast
more than 1 part soya flour
of which fructose 1/4
Soften pollen first over night with water. 1 liter pollen and 1 dl water.
Mix all and stir with some machine. Add soya flour that is soft.
Roll patty between baker's paper to 10 mm sheet and put over the bee ball. Put the rest patty in fridge.
Fructose take moisture from air and keep patty soften
I also recommend terrarium heater 15W
With this consept colony developes at spring 3 times faster than naturally.
If your colony is normal, one box full, it consumes 1 lbs protein per week.
Last year I handled all my hives this way and I am more than satiefied.
I also feed them with protein even if they got pollen from nature. You see when they want patty any more.
When colony is 3 deeps, you buy a queen and make a nuc .
When colony is strong, it also may try to swarm. Then give brood frames to you nuc. You can warm your nuc with heater.
Read this http://maarec.cas.psu.edu/bkCD/HBBiology/nutrition_supplements.htmhttp://www.agf.gov.bc.ca/apiculture/factsheets/401_spring.htmhttp://maarec.cas.psu.edu/bkCD/management/feeding.html