Tappies Bees wrote: ↑27 Jul 2020, 09:44
Hi folks, first post on the BBKA forum so please be nice!
Welcome, and I hope we are always nice - and helpful
Ditto what Nigel advises but with a but.....
It's a good idea to remove such comb because otherwise they anchor it to the OMF and everytime you inspect you break open cells and that naturally upsets the bees.
Spread across 11 frames is a bit imprecise, as is we have added supers, and that is where my "but" comes in. Is there space for the queen to lay then take out comb at bottom. If there is not then I might delay until she has got more space.
We are getting to the point when the flow stops and the brood nest starts to contract. If you give them a new frame of foundation they need a flow to draw it or you would have to feed them. If I got a colony in June then I think I would have put the super on straightaway?
So whilst I am with Nigel on get rid - I am thinking the when to do it rather depends on exactly what has happened in the brood box, when you put on the super(s) and what they have done with them.
What I think you should avoid at all costs is a crowded brood box with no space for the queen and better weather approaching fast. It's not too late for them to think about swarming and once they get the idea..... Taking out the queen excluder to give more room is an option or transfer the super under the brood box (it will be clear by next March).....
P.S. I should just clarify that taking out the QX will expand the brood nest up into the super so you go brood and a half. If that is to be the norm then just take it out. If it is not what you want to do then next spring you can put the super back above the QX, make sure the queen is below and wait for the brood to clear the super or you could just put the super underneath now and by next March it will be clear.