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Caring for a New Colony
1. Feed the colony sugar syrup.
Feed sugar syrup to colonies that are hived on frames of foundation until the combs are completely drawn out and honey is stored in several of the frames (in approximately 4–6 weeks). See Sugar Syrup Recipe.
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Sugar syrup in a plastic zipper bag, placed on top of the super
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2. Reduce the hive entrance.
Reduce the size of the opening of the hive entrance initially, and increase it when the colony is bigger and temperatures are warmer. You can install an entrance-reducing cleat to help keep the inside of the hive warmer if installing bees in early spring.
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The three steps to installing an entrance-reducing cleat
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3. Add a brood chamber.
Add another brood chamber in 4–5 weeks or once the bees have drawn out 7–8 of the frames in their existing chamber.
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4. Add supers.
Add supers if the season is favorable and colonies are strong enough. Typically supers are added at the time of dandelion and fruit bloom.
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5. Continue management.
By the fall, a new colony should be managed in the same way as a full-strength colony.
