What Is a Walk Away Split in Beekeeping
A walk away split in beekeeping is a method of splitting a beehive without needing to find the queen.
The brood nest of the hive is split between a new hive and the old hive, with both hives having eggs, capped and uncapped brood, and enough nurse bees.
The queenless portion of the split will raise a queen from a newly hatched larva.
It is recommended to start checking for fresh eggs after four weeks.
A walk away split is used to expand the number of colonies and prevent swarming, and it is typically done in the spring.
The advantages include ease, time-saving, and cost-saving, while the main disadvantage is that the hive may take longer to recover due to the lack of management in how the split is performed.
Timing and luck play a role in the success of walk away splits.
Did You Know?
1. Walk Away Splits in beekeeping are a method used to create new colonies by allowing a portion of the existing colony to effectively “walk away” and form a new hive on their own.
2. In this process, the beekeeper physically moves the original colony a short distance away, usually a few meters, while leaving behind some of the worker bees, larvae, and queen cells to start a new colony.
3. A fascinating fact about Walk Away Splits is that this method mimics the natural process of swarming, which occurs when a colony becomes overcrowded and the bees instinctively split to form multiple new colonies.
4. This technique is advantageous for beekeepers as it helps prevent the loss of swarms and maximizes the production of new colonies without the need to purchase new bees.
5. A little-known trivia is that Walk Away Splits can also be used as a resource for genetic diversity within a beekeeping operation, as different colonies may exhibit varying traits, such as honey production, disease resistance, or temperament.
What Is A Walk Away Split In Beekeeping?
A walk away split is a technique used by beekeepers to divide a beehive into two separate colonies without having to locate the queen. This method involves splitting the brood nest of the hive between a new hive and the original hive. The purpose of this split is to expand the number of colonies and prevent swarming, a natural behavior of honey bees where the entire colony leaves the hive to establish a new one.
Unlike other methods of splitting hives, a walk away split does not require finding and removing the queen from the original hive. Instead, both the new and old hives will have eggs, capped and uncapped brood, and enough nurse bees to care for the brood. The queenless portion of the split will raise a new queen from a newly hatched larva, allowing the colony to continue its population growth.
This method of splitting is usually performed in the spring when bee populations are increasing and colonies are more likely to swarm. It is called a “walk away split” because the beekeeper can simply separate the brood nest, organize the frames, and walk away without the complexity of finding and handling the queen.
- Key points:
- A walk away split is a technique used by beekeepers to divide a beehive into two separate colonies.
- This method prevents swarming and allows population growth.
- The queenless portion of the split raises a new queen from a newly hatched larva.
- This method is usually performed in the spring when colonies are more likely to swarm.
Splitting The Brood Nest
To perform a walk away split, the beekeeper first needs to select a strong and healthy hive to split. The top brood box is removed from the original hive, and it is then placed on its own baseboard with a lid. This becomes the new hive for the split colony. It is important to note that the new hive should be moved at least 3 miles or 4.8km away from the original hive site to prevent confusion among returning worker bees.
Both the new and old hives are left undisturbed for 30 days to allow for the development of the new queens. During this time, the hives should only be monitored for external factors such as weather and the presence of predators. It is vital not to disturb the hives as this could disrupt the queen rearing process and delay the establishment of the new colonies.
Splitting the brood nest evenly between the new and old hives ensures that both have sufficient resources to thrive. It is essential for each hive to have a balanced combination of eggs, capped and uncapped brood, and enough nurse bees to cover the brood nest. If one part of the split does not have a queen, a new queen can be introduced to the hive after the waiting period.
Raising A Queen
Once the split has been performed, the queenless portion of the split hive will need to raise a new queen. This is done by having the worker bees select a newly hatched larva and feed it a special diet known as royal jelly. The larva is then raised in a queen cell, which is larger than normal worker cells and shaped differently.
Raising a new queen takes time, and during this process, there will be a delay in the start of egg-laying. It is recommended to start checking for fresh eggs after four weeks instead of the usual three weeks. The unmated queen will eventually go on a mating flight where she will mate with drones from other colonies to ensure the genetic diversity of the colony.
If the colony does not have enough drones available, the success of the split may be compromised. In regions with shorter seasons, beekeepers can improve their chances of success by starting autumn feeding earlier and using a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water for feeding. This helps to ensure the health and strength of the colony during the crucial queen-rearing period.
- Splitting the hive is followed by raising a new queen.
- Worker bees feed a selected larva royal jelly to raise it as a queen.
- The unmated queen mates with drones from other colonies for genetic diversity.
- Checking for fresh eggs should be done after four weeks instead of three.
- Shorter seasons may require beekeepers to start autumn feeding earlier.
- A 2:1 ratio of sugar to water is recommended for feeding.
Advantages And Disadvantages
A walk away split in beekeeping offers several advantages. First and foremost, it is a relatively easy method that saves time for the beekeeper. There is no need to locate and handle the queen, making the process less labor-intensive.
Additionally, by allowing the queenless portion of the split to raise a new queen, the genetics of the colony can be preserved and controlled.
Furthermore, a walk away split is cost-saving as there is no need to purchase a new colony or queen. The beekeeper can use existing resources within the hive to establish a new colony. This method is also advantageous in preventing swarming, as the split allows the beekeeper to increase the number of colonies and reduce the likelihood of the original colony swarming.
However, there are some disadvantages to consider. One major drawback is that the hive may take longer to recover due to the lack of management in how the split is performed. Since the beekeeper does not intervene during the 30-day waiting period, there is a risk that the split colony may not have enough bees to take care of brood and collect resources. This delay in recovery may impact the overall productivity of the hive.
Timing And Success Rates
Timing is crucial when performing a walk away split in beekeeping. It is typically done in mid-spring when the bee population is increasing and the risk of swarming is high. The split hive needs sufficient time to develop a new queen and allow her to mate before the colder weather approaches. This gives the new colonies the best chance of survival and growth.
The success rates of walk away splits can vary depending on factors such as climate and management practices. Beekeepers in temperate climates with long production seasons have reported success rates ranging from 60% to 70%. However, beekeepers in regions with shorter seasons may face additional challenges.
To increase the chances of success in regions with shorter seasons, beekeepers can:
- Start autumn feeding earlier
- Provide a 2:1 ratio of sugar to water for feeding
- Move the split colony at least 3 miles or 4.8km away from the original hive site to prevent confused foraging bees from returning to the wrong colony.
In conclusion, a walk away split in beekeeping is a method used to expand the number of colonies and prevent swarming. This technique allows beekeepers to divide a hive into two separate colonies without needing to find and remove the queen. By splitting the brood nest between a new hive and the original hive, the queenless portion can raise a new queen, ensuring the colony’s ongoing population growth. While a walk away split offers advantages such as ease and cost-saving, it also has disadvantages such as delayed hive recovery. Timing and successful queen rearing are crucial for the success of this method, and beekeepers should adapt their practices based on their specific region and climate.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When should you check a walkaway split?
You should check a walkaway split approximately 3-5 days after the initial split to ensure that the queen cell is capped and no additional cells are being developed. It is crucial to eliminate any extra queen cells to prevent swarming. Additionally, checking every 3 days thereafter is essential until the new queen is observed, as the queenless colony may continue to create cells due to various stages of brood and the absence of a queen. This regular monitoring ensures the successful emergence and establishment of the new queen.
What is a split bee hive?
A split bee hive refers to the process of dividing a large, thriving colony into two separate hives to create two independent colonies. This method allows beekeepers to expand their apiary without purchasing new colonies, as they can utilize the resources and population of a single healthy hive. By carefully transferring a portion of the established colony into a separate hive, beekeepers can create two self-sustaining colonies, promoting the growth and diversity of their beekeeping operation. This practice is an efficient way to increase the number of hives and bee populations while maintaining the health and strength of the original hive.
What is a Taranov split?
A Taranov split is a beekeeping technique used when the bees in a colony have separated into two distinct groups. This method involves placing a Taranov board, which acts as a barrier between the groups, inside the hive. After some time, the board is then moved to the entrance of a new hive, effectively splitting the colony into two separate hives. The new hive needs to be positioned at a sufficient distance from the original colony to prevent the queen’s scent from attracting the bees back to their initial location. This method allows beekeepers to expand their colonies and prevent overcrowding, while also maintaining the health and productivity of the bees.
How do you make a walk away split?
Creating a walk-away split is a straightforward method to divide a crowded beehive. The process involves separating the hive by removing the top brood box and setting it on a separate bottom board to establish a new hive. To ensure the survival of both hives, a second box is placed on each hive, providing sufficient space for the bees to expand their colonies. By implementing this method, beekeepers can efficiently address hive overcrowding while facilitating the growth of bee populations into two sustainable hives.