Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[Cosmicwillow]

One of my two hives appears to be working 'like there's no tomorrow', the hive seems to be filling up at a 'rate'.
The hive will eventually swarm or at least want to, is it likely early in the season and what are the signs to look for when a swarm is imminent.
Is it possible to split the hive before it swarms...how and when.
Thoughts anyone!

[rays]

At risk of doing Phil Chandler a disservice, in the current situation you can't want for much better than his original work on this topic: http://www.blackburnbeekeepers.com/Guide_to_Swarming_original.pdf

If this helps you now, you might want to invest in purchasing his more recent works, which take you through all the essential elements of looking after a top-bar hive through the seasons: http://biobees.com/books.php

No, I'm not on commission. But I have learned so much from Phil's writings and podcasts before I actually started with my own top-bar hive that I believe that others new to beekeeping could benefit equally and it's an opportunity to provide Phil with some reward for his dedication to bringing low-input, low-cost but thoroughly accessible beekeeping methods to a wider audience.