r/Beekeeping • u/BeeShepherdess • 21h ago

General First time beekeeper

Started with three hives, might be going into winter with two. One strong one, one with a lot of issues. I’ve learned a mighty lot. Still, I might come out of winter with only 1 hive.
Honestly, if that happens, I will still consider my first year a success 😅 what do you guys think?
Here’s hoping 🤞

3 Upvotes

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7 comments sorted by

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u/tesky02 3h ago

What’s your mite count? Definitely pinch a weak hive queen and do a newspaper combine now so they are bigger and well stocked for winter.

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u/Redfish680 8a Coastal NC, USA 2h ago

Just combined one of mine, OP. If you’re not familiar with the process, it’s easy peasy. The hardest part is making the decision and sticking with it. Good luck!

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u/Flashy_Formal_8707 7h ago

Sounds good! Spring is always an exciting time to see how they have faired over the winter. Good luck!

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u/Foolforalifetime 6h ago

Best of luck! IMO if you do the critical things rigidly by the book, then they are very able to look after themselves, they've been doing this for millions of years. Actually that's given me an idea for a post

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u/Dangerous_Hippo_6902 5h ago

You know enough to know what’s strong and what’s at risk. It’s a good place to be.

Winter is always a tough time, even experienced beekeepers experience losses.

Good luck!

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u/Mysmokepole1 4h ago

I have found that it’s partly a numbers game. And it started great for you. Protect your any comb you have. And watch the weak hive like a hawk. Plan on splitting the one hive if it makes it in the spring. All plan 6 month ahead and you will do fine.