Warre hive seed comb moved into 2nd box

Today's weather was perfect for opening the hive and moving seed comb from top box into second box as suggested in the Warre hive conversation--see yesterday's notes.

First, I removed and set aside the top box; many bees on top of bars in second box and bearding down into the open. I sprayed with water so they would move further down and not fly.

Top of 2nd box with seed comb third from right.

Next, I removed the 3rd bar from the right, west side, of the second box.


Then, I opened cloth cover on the furthermost right, west side, of top box and attempted to remove comb. Comb broke off about 1.5" down; fortunately comb was secured to ends of hive so remaining comb remained in place. Unfortunately, this was in the middle of a nursery and one can see three undeveloped bees (white). I thought the end bars might not have brood--I was wrong. This indicates to me that that top box is overcrowded.

Opened top box with seed comb removed--partial comb that is.

Close up of top of broken comb with white, undeveloped bees.

Lastly, I inserted seed comb into third bar space in second box and closed hive.

Seed comb being installed in second box.

Sadly, three bees were crushed in the process when placing top box on table. I used water in a spray bottle to simulate rain which makes bees want to get under cover; prefer not to use smoke which means forest fire and bees gorge on honey as a precaution for evacuation.

Added 1:1 spring syrup at back opening in case they want to use it to build new comb in lower box.

Now I wait and check hive in a few days to see if 'seed' comb brings comb building to second box.