Bee Hive Box Swapping To Delay Swarming

After mid-winter feeding, the next important beekeeping activity is swapping the hive boxes. This video documents that process the way I learned to do it from a commercial beekeeper.

This is done because the bees have worked their way to the top as they consume resources. The queen in the top begins to feel as if the hive is crowded and may initiate a swarm, which is how bee hives reproduce. Swapping the boxes makes her feel less crowded and delays her initiating a swarm. This allows the hive to be stronger before that time and allow the beekeeper to intervene by splitting the hive into two or a bit more hives.

The hives will be fed with a heavy sugar water syrup tomorrow, then for the lighter hives, one more time a few weeks after that to get them through until the nectar flow begins. Feeding too much may cause stored food to take up too much space and not give the queen enough space to lay brood. They’re already collecting tree pollen which starts much earlier than most people realize.

Will do more posts and videos on beekeeping as the season progresses. You’re welcome to ask any questions you may have and offer suggestions.

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