Vertical Beehive Split: Using a Double Screen Board

Welcome to the first beekeeping video of the season! In this episode, we are diving straight into the hives to handle some unexpected developments that turned a quick inspection into a major project. Whether you are a seasoned pro or just curious about how honeybees work, there is plenty to see as we navigate the busy spring build-up. We start with the essentials of suiting up and getting the smoker going before moving into a full hive inspection. What began as a plan to simply prepare for future splits quickly changed when I discovered queen cells that were ready to hatch. You will see exactly how I locate the queen, identify the difference between supersedure cells and swarm cells, and manage the resources within the hive to ensure both new colonies have what they need to survive. Throughout the video, I demonstrate the process of performing a vertical split using a double screen board. This method is a great way to keep a new colony warm using the heat from the established hive below. From shaking bees off frames to carefully carving out swarm cells, this is a raw look at the real-time decisions a beekeeper has to make when the bees decide it is time to grow. Chapters 0:00 Suiting Up and Smoker Prep 1:15 Unexpected Changes to the Plan 2:10 Watching the Bees at Work 2:50 Hive Inspection and Resource Checking 4:25 Finding the Queen and Supersedure Cells 5:40 Comparing Hive Populations and Behavior 6:55 Locating and Clipping the Second Queen 7:50 How to Set Up a Vertical Split 10:00 Close Up of Queen Cells and Shaking Bees 11:20 Identifying and Removing a Swarm Cell 12:30 Finalizing the Splits and Wrap Up If you found these beekeeping tips helpful, please give the video a like and subscribe to follow along with the hives all season long. Have you ever had your bees surprise you with early queen cells? Let me know your stories in the comments below! #Beekeeping #SplittingBeeHives #FindingtheQueenBee #Howtosplitabeehive #BackyardBeekeeping #SuperseedureCells #SwarmCells #BeekeepingforBeginners #LightingaBeeSmoker #HoneyBees #SpringBeekeeping #BeehiveInspection #QueenExcluder #DoubleScreenBoard #FirstHiveInspection #BeekeepingTips #HoneyBeeQueen #BeehiveManagement #Beekeeping2024