Hey there,
I'll be splitting my hive for the first time this year. The hive is really healthy right now with a lot of food stores and production is increasing steadily. I did a full inspection over the weekend and I have 5 full frames of brood. I'm wondering if anyone would be interested in helping me split my hive this year, or can offer advice. I don't have much experience handling queens, and mine is currently unmarked - so that's the part I am most concerned with. Based on what I understand as best practice, I'll want 3-4 frames of brood for the new split, so I'll wait until there's 7-8 frames of brood in my current hive before I split them. So, I'd say I probably have a month before I'll be ready to split. Trying to get ahead and prep before it's time. The bees are bringing in a lot of pollen and nectar, which is awesome, and their population seems totally ramped back up.
I did take the OBA apprentice course, but I have not been connected with a mentor yet, so perhaps that's the best way to find someone who might be interested. Either way, I look forward to connecting with folks :)
Thanks,
Nicole