Splitting Hives

Paul Kelly, research and apiary manager, shows how to split a bee hive.
Frequently asked questions: hbrc.ca/faq/
For more videos, check out the University of Guelph's Honey Bee Research Centre youtube channel at this link:
/ @uoghoneybeeresearchce...
For more work by David Borish Visuals, check out:
www.davidborishvisuals.com/
We would like to thank Québec beekeepers Marie-Hélène Majeau and Susan Kennerknecht for translating our videos into French. We are very grateful for their help with this project. (To view translation, click on settings then subtitles)
Nous aimerions remercier deux apicultrices du Québec, Marie-Hélène Majeau et Susan Kennerknecht pour la traduction de ces vidéos en français. Nous leur en sommes très reconnaissants. (Pour accéder à la traduction française, sélectionnez paramètres et ensuite sous-titres)

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thank you to everyone for watching and supporting our videos! If you have any questions about our videos, please check out our list of FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS on our website, which can be found at honeybee.uoguelph.ca/videos/frequently-asked-questions/

[@makewaytv2912]

UoG Honey Bee Research Centre sir, i like you share the video i totally learn how to manage a bee hive, me i ask question, if i will buy bees from there to my beloved country philippines, they are still alive??

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

HI There I'm happy to hear you have learned from our videos. We can't ship bees to you. Maybe someone in your country breeds nice bees too.

[@trskldn]

Hi. Thank you for the video. Please allow other people translate subtitles from English into other languages in the youtube settings.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Oh. I see what you mean. I'll look into changing the setting. Two other people have asked to translate videos into Russian. I'll try and find the links to their you tube channels for you.

[@hillybeaner9689]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge!

[@johanconradie2120]

to split swarm, take two broods each with five frames on righthand side, all frames worked out and full of brood .Brake in half and take brood with queen, FAR AWAY. And that's it. Me beekeeping since 1959 . Thank you.

[@MarekArawn]

6 years later... FINALLY! A clear and straightforward "crash-course" on splits. Thank you. I'm also amazed that you're both wearing noting but shorts and short-sleeved shirts when working with your bees!

[@bza069]

i really like this guys delivery method...so clear and logical

[@elizabethstephen2188]

You have some pretty strong healthy colonies to make your splits. Well done. The young lady is good help.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Elizabeth. Yes the bees were doing very well at that time. Brooke was a great employee! Unfortunately at a University people move on but it's nice when they come back for a visit.

[@womanonabicycle]

I found this very interesting, clear and instructional. I love the fact you demonstrated the options. As a new bee keeper this was very helpful for me. Thanks, from the UK. 👍

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Glad it was helpful. Hi in the UK!

[@bjj6910]

Hi and thank you for showing your bee keeping methods. I was always wearing cover. I was amazed over how my own bees reacted when landing on my fluffy soft flece leggings. I think they considered me as a huge queen ofsome sort, they reallly calmed down and stayed long on that soft surface. If I should ever have bees again, I would make sure to have a suit made if velvet or flece again, as bees just love it. They never even tried to sting me.❤

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Huh. Usually smooth surfaced, light colored fabrics work best. Nice to hear about your pleasant experience with bees!

[@focuslupilya6856]

I'm really happy to watch this video am beekeeper from Tanzania

[@MohamedUAE]

I like how calm is this person is! and the way he talks to Brooke and passing the knowledge transfer to her and to us as viewers. Amazing 👍🤲🏼🙏🏼

[@DawnieGTheBeekeeper]

Paul Kelly is amazing

[@jw112965]

Going out to make splits tomorrow. Thank you for the excellence instruction

[@KELimagination]

I think this is the best how to split a hive video. I started learning about beekeeping when wild honeybees made a hive in our garden. Thank you.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Our pleasure! Thanks.

[@shadmorgan5491]

Excellent tuition along with Class video production. Great value for new players!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Shad!

[@WoodsleeSummercraftwoodturning]

I must say this is the most helpful video ive seen for splits, makes a lot of sense re looking for eggs in each box!! Simple. I plan on splitting my hive sometime this spring, ive not seen my queen yet so this helps, going into my second year beekeeping.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Glad it was helpful! Thanks and good luck!

[@gatechcoltd4973]

Thank you a lot for this video now i have learn how o split my hive its easy than what i thought it will be. Shout from Tanzania

[@roycarter6235]

Very informative. He does freak me out with his complete lack of protection. Young Brooke at least had her head protected. I have seen someone stung in the eyes by angry bees. A very ugly incident. Thank you for these well presented easy to understand and absorb videos. They are making me a better beekeeper. I'm in the Blue Mountains outside Sydney Australia.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Roy Yes we see some of those swollen eyes at our workplace to when new employees get started. I have a great collection of sting pictures! Thanks for you kind comments - all the way from the Blue Mountains. It's encouraging to hear that our videos are helping folks like you along. I was sure sorry to hear of so much devastation down your way with the bush fires.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Great informative video’s. Thanks will try these next season.

[@uptank8461]

One of my favorite knowledgeable Bee Keeper people i love watching Thank you for Showing how you do things, you can never know everything this is the reason i watch your videos always new things to learn.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are very welcome! A belated thanks for your kind comment.

[@63italic]

Great video. Thank you! Sitting down surrounded by bees. No gloves, no face protection, shorts...shaking bees, no fear. How do you do it?? Type like a friggin' superhero!! 😂

[@vivianelliott6542]

Those bees seem to be under dope. Very calm. Lol!

[@user-xy1ll5mq4s]

Your the best, very clear, really stung me this video ❤❤

[@robertlewis3336]

That Brook is right handy. I need one of those. 🙂

[@timthomas4046]

Wonderful, thanks

[@BeesBikinis]

Used this video to successfully split my hives last year. This is where I took the beginner beekeeping course!!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi B& B Nice to hear from you. Thanks for the testimonial. Hope your bees and you are doing great in HH.

[@digdug7483]

I find it very addictive to watch all the bee keeping videos. It’s looks very rewarding but I’m not in a good location to to this. But until then I’ll just watch and learn

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Jeremy Nice to hear you enjoy the videos. As fascinating as beekeeping is it's good to recognize that you need to be in the right place and have the time and resources to take up the pastime. An option some chose is to help another beekeeper out.

[@ahmedalfeky4809]

you are the best 🐝 keeper .

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks. I'm not sure about that but appreciate the compliment Ahmed.

[@mynmyn3245]

Sir, honestly your teaching about the Honey bee in the videos are always crystal to understand for any level learner..every words are meaningful unlike some other video maker . It is always a place for me to learn new things and wish to be InTouch and learn together with you...I also make some box with special unique design to make the bees feel more comfortable.. However I still lack behind some knowledge..I just love to spend time with bees. THANK YOU for the video

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Wow, thank you. Very kind of you. Good luck with your bees!

[@cornerstonehoneybees2525]

I love how you picked up the queen by hand. I need to practice doing that (on drones)

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

When teaching beekeepers to cage queens we start by practicing with drones as you suggest . No risk of stings and they are pretty tough. It's not that hard , it just takes practice. When you can handle and cage a queen you can always keep her safe.

[@beeornottobee4507]

👍👍👍 Thank you for interesting video. Hi from Belarus bee's forests! ✊🙏

[@framcesmoore]

these videos are outstanding I feel like I am in bee school the 2nd way is going to be my way to do splits my eyes are bad cant see to well at all but I can shake a frame thanks for this. I wont mess up no more hives u are wonderful thanks again

[@Marco-fn6kg]

excellent video thank you !

[@aceshr9499]

Every thing is research and hands experience based. We have learned so much by watching. Thank you.

[@PermacultureHaven]

Awesome! Thank you for this great video. A total beginner here and enjoying your videos a lot!

[@colleennazarchuk3316]

Thank you for this clear breakdown & methodology in splitting a hive. I’m going into my 2 nd year of bee minding which is bringing me to the place of doing a split of one of my hives…. I’m sure your video will be providing me confidence in doing so successfully…. I will be hearing your calm voice in my mind as I go thru the motions ;)

[@BudgetInnovation1]

Same here!

[@MikeM-vi3hg]

Thank you so much for your videos. Very good for beginners like myself.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Our pleasure Mike!

[@storm3772]

thank you for the detail. I'm a.new bee keeper from Australia. still learning but loving every minute

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi there in Australia You are most welcome! Beekeeping is a life long learning project - so much the better. :)

[@lgalardi]

Very helpful. Thank You

[@sidthebeekid1729]

Hi, I am 12 y/o and just started beekeeping. Just this last week I caught 3 swarms and am super excited. Your videos are some of my favorites. I am hoping to make a number of splits this year so really enjoyed watching this. Thanks for the great video. Sid

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Sid! So great to hear you are in to beekeeping. Congratulations on your swarm captures. Thanks for getting in touch - it's very rewarding to hear that you find our videos helpful. Best of luck in making splits and in your beekeeping career!

[@patidostlarvekanatlilar312]

Thank you for your success in your work.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

:)

[@TheHolmsteadWithJesseHolm]

This is a very good video! I feel more prepared for spring already! Thanks!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are most welcome. Good luck next spring!

[@beentheredunthat8129]

Absolutely wonderful. Thank you for making this series. I think it is great that academia shares their knowledge when it comes to beekeeping. With so much information available on the Web it is a good cross between backyard and field tested studies

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Robert Thanks for the encouragemnet. Your kind comments are appreciated!

[@LadyElk1]

THANK YOU for this great splitting video, the time it takes to make these I so appreciate for folks like me (where theres not a lot of info available from masters), so again thank you!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi LadyElk You are most welcome. Nice to her you find the videos helpful in a location where information is hard to come by.

[@bretturner3413]

Man the bee really love you.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

It's a mutual thing :)

[@MarekVacek]

This channel is so GOOD. Such a practical and easy to follow advice. I watched almost everything and it's helping me a lot in my begining as a beekeeper. I'm sending thanks to the creators, from Czech Republic

[@dieterspillner342]

You are a remarkable beekeeper thank you for you for your instructional videos.

[@Hogavich]

Such wonderfully educational and well done videos! I hope you all post more soon. Excellent work!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Why thanks! We do plan to do twenty more videos this summer but they may not be posted until the fall.

[@Hogavich]

That is such great news! I have learned so much from these and will be on the lookout for ones later this year! I have also ordered some Buckfast queens from Fergusons. Wonderful people there. Take care!

[@wayneparker9782]

Thank you very much....it amazes me the talented people... who...give there knowledge; that they worked so hard to for.....it is people like you end others that im thankful for.

[@jzarwel]

I really like the third way. It seems to be the least invasive to the bees. Thanks!

[@lyallacheson9422]

You are a good teacher. Thanks for the great videos.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks for your feedback Lyall! We plan to do twenty more videos this summer.

[@welchshoneybees3244]

Good video for new beekeepers! We have these questions asked all the time. It helps to have them watch some of these videos.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi there Welch's Honey Bees Good to hear you have been able to pass the videos on to new beekeepers. They sure are keen to learn so it's fun to feed that enthusiasm!

[@jayl8813]

Ahh yeah U of G . Some nice local videos for me to follow. Just discovered and can't wait to watch them all.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Jay See you at the Albion?

[@terrim.602]

I love your channel! You make sense.

[@obby5648]

Your confidence is amazing! Awesome video!!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

:) thanks

[@tomflynn78]

Excellent Informative Video, I have it saved in my favourites for every time I need to refresh on splitting. Many Thanks UOG! Would love to see some new videos:)

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Tom Thanks for the encouraging words! We'd love to squeeze in producing more videos. We are planning for more filming this summer.

[@shrekpower]

I must say, I REALLY enjoy watching your videos it is amazing the knowledge I get from them and how easy it looks when you talk about beekeeping. I am starting the journey this summer I hope it will be a long lasting hobby of mine and I'm even open for the business side of it if it's possible! But first thing first, learn learn and learn!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Glad you like them! Enjoy the journey. Lots to learn but it's so interesting you'll be hooked.

[@jolox.]

Thank you! What a fantastic video! I am interested, but haven't started beekeeping yet. This definitely makes me want to try!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Jolox! Get connected with some local beekeepers to see if it's for you and how to get started where you are.

[@pauldow1648]

Top notch presentation. Thank you for you tubing.

[@michaelceline4680]

Thank you Paul, Excellent video's.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are welcome Michael. Thanks for the feedback.

[@a-m-kapiares-austenhicks8651]

Couldnt help but notice there was a queen cell on the fourth brood frame you transfered on the second split

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

I missed that Austen. I'll have a look now.

[@gg3f9aa4]

Thank you very much to both you and your assistant. It was very didactic, and of course, I will try to make the divisions with the third method, since my hives are double-bodied. Regards!!!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Good luck Eduardo! You are very welcome.

[@billbo520]

Good job Brooke

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

For sure.

[@andrewkohler4453]

Excellent presentation. Thank you.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Andrew!

[@lintonmacnamara1469]

Once again an excellent production. Have learnt lots ,thanks you so much. An ol aussie

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

G'day Linton. Thanks for your feedback.

[@macsbees5775]

Love all your videos and looking forward to my first split this year.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Francis. Good luck with your split!

[@lindabiermann8697]

Thank you SO MUCH!!! First year, hive is bursting at the seams. This video really helped me figure out how to handle the problem!!!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Glad to be able to help Linda! Thanks for your comments.

[@PONCEInEffect]

Excellent video!! I'm an absolute Novice .. you're video was perfect & great Job to all, especially Brooke. Brave young Lady. (haha).

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi There Thanks from our team for the generous comments.

[@bam-bo]

Very good information. Thank you !!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Our pleasure!

[@pero4511]

Great video sir 👌

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Pero!

[@jamesg6654]

I can tell you have been to Australia, those Blundstone boots give it away

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Good observation. I thought they looked goofy when I was in Aus. but changed my mind some years later as they are so comfy and convenient. They are very popular here in Canada. I wear a pair out every year as I wear them all day every day.

[@cheryl-annemarais6331]

Thank you for sharing your knowledge with us. May God bless your talent and prosper you always.

[@JoseOrtiz-im5wu]

Wow , that was awesome. You make it look so easy. Very good information. Ty

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Jose!

[@drpk6514]

Thank you so much, you are a legend. She will be a fine beekeeper.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

our pleasure!

[@natserog]

Love your videos. I have 8 colonies and need to spilt in next few weeks. Very helpful info!! thank you!! --subscribed

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are quite welcome. Good luck with your splits!

[@natserog]

Quick question. If I want to do your second method of splitting but do not have a queen to put in the split, will they figure out they are queen less and make a queen? Or maybe I could find a capped queen cell and put in there? Also how far does the split have to be from the original hive when I split it. thanks again!!!!

[@willworthington]

@@natserog good question. I eagerly await the answer too because I put an uncapped queen cell in a split from another hive the other day and a capped queen cell from another hive. Hope they both work out although I note Paul's preference is to put in a mated queen but I'm not that advanced yet. I only know how to make Queens by leaving eggs in a split and they make their own emergency queen cells. One thing I have to wonder though is when they make 5 emergency cells, can I use one of each of those cells and put them in 5 different splits.

[@pauldow1648]

Thank you for the encouragement. 😊

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Cheers Paul!

[@margaretlindner2703]

Wonderful videos in every way! Thank you so much.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Our pleasure. Thanks so much for your support!

[@paulcurtis7813]

I enjoyed your videos and am actively following you folks now. It amazes me that no protective gear is being used. Brooke was at least wearing a veil. I still react to a sting once in a while. I guess it must depend on the tolerance level. Is there a secret I’m missing? Keep up the educational videos. Awesome! Thank you.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Paul Yes it is a tolerance level thing but we also select for gentle behaviour when breeding bees. Nice to hear you've enjoyed our videos!

[@lyallacheson9422]

Excellent presentation. Thank you

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Lyall I hope you and your bees are doing fine!

[@Dundonian1981]

I have to say your videos are brilliant, I found you tonight and have spent the last 3 hours watching your videos and I would say they are probably the best I have seen. Thanks for posting them I have really enjoyed watching them and I hope you will be making and posting more in the future.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks for your generous comments! We have plans for a few more videos this summer.

[@joseluisdavalos8958]

Lovely, i do follow your videos they are so profesional... I Say hello from Mexicali baja California

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Ola Jose! Thanks for your kind remarks.

[@FloryJohann]

Best video I seen. Thank you very much.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are quite welcome Bonnie. I'm glad you liked it!

[@garyshaffer68]

Thanks for sharing. I like to do the nuc splits with a queen cell. And I have found that bees from the North winter better northern queens.

[@paulkelly3266]

Thanks Gary. Queens produced in your climate should do better if they are reared under ideal conditions.

[@suzannecohen5269]

Hello! So nice to find that the University of Guelph has this very helpful video! I was up there for EAS right after I started working at Betterbee in NY, two years ago, and I still proudly have my golden hive tool above my desk from winning the "Find the Queen" contest. That was amazing beginner's luck! I have my first hive this year on the back roof of our house, and I am starting to think about doing a split. Great video!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Wow! I never expected to hear from you Suzanne! That was a highlight of my EAS week seeing you find the queen! Great to hear you have your own bees now and have given your golden hive tool a place of honour. Also nice to hear you find the videos helpful. See you at EAS this year?

[@suzannecohen5269]

Yes! Don't know whether it will be the beginning or end of the week yet. Just put my first honey super on my hive. EXCITING!!!

[@suzannecohen5269]

Did you ever get to see the photo of the award presentation in last year's Betterbee Catalog? If not, I can send you the page.

[@tomdooley7600]

That's gonna help me heaps thanks

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Good to hear Tom. Good luck with your splits.

[@TheBushBeeMan]

Nice work! Hi from Australia!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi in OZ. Thanks Heaps! . I'm just back from a ski trip in western Canada. I'm surprised there is anyone left in Australia - lots of Australians working in the ski areas. Very nice folks.

[@ricardodominguez3785]

Great !! thanks you for the class.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

You are welcome!

[@muratkavuncuoglu6112]

Greetings from Turkey. thank for your effort. Quite a lot helpfull video.

[@teresakeen3184]

He

[@framcesmoore]

I really like your videos it is like going to bee school they are so well done, they just teach u so much they are great, I wish u would make more thanks

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi Frances! We are making plans to do some more videos this summer. Stay tuned :)

[@framcesmoore]

wonderful and thanks

[@nenebobb]

Thank you.... you have really explained a lot

[@drckbdrj1]

Great video! Thank you!

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Hi DJ You are welcome! Glad you enjoyed the video.

[@rebelgaming7676]

awesome I just got my first hive and it helps alot

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Good luck with your bees! Make sure varroa mites don't chew them up and you'll do fine.

[@edarrd]

I like how calm your bees are... I would be dead if come close near them in shorts... :)

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Haha. Keep your pants on! Yes we do have good bees to work with.

[@la9679]

Im in love with brooke. Im a bee keeper as well. 😊

[@enalbandoni4405]

Its incredible how you stay there in short pans

[@357lockdown]

WOW! That is one healthy Colony.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Yes it was. We had a great year in 2016. The hives did well and we had a record crop of honey.

[@kathyhathaway8823]

Very informative video on these types of splits . I am planning on doing around three splits this spring. I will try two of those splits an also I was going to try a walk away split also . Have you had good luck on the walk away splits before . Thanks again for all your info and video’s. Keep your video’s coming when possible. Thanks

[@silveravnt]

I've had very good luck with walk away splits.

[@suzannecohen5269]

Don't know if you got the photo Amie and I emailed, but wanted to tell you your lecture was great at EAS! I just started editing my photos and I'm looking forward to going through the ones I took of your lecture with my boyfriend (my beekeeping sidekick). My bees continue to do great, and we extracted one super of honey. They've got tons left for the winter, and they're still at it. (I slipped you a copy of my album because I remembered they were out in the car, and that I'd chosen that photo from your Beekeepers Olympics as a highlight of my life for the cover! That was my sanity project when I was in between full time work). And thank you for putting in a good word with my boss. Never hurts!

[@onarbeekeeping]

Nice video!!!

[@letmeseeitin08]

I have been baffled by the many methods of splitting hives this video broke it done clearly for this new beekeeper. I even took notes.

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Thanks Tom! It's encouraging to hear how we've been able to help you.

[@lintonmacnamara1469]

Great method thanks for posting.an ancient Aussie beek

[@badugulakshminarayana2068]

Great vedio sir Thank you soooooooooooooooooo much

[@ajaykumartiwary8404]

Good detailing sir for a beginner like me to know the best way to split a hive. Thanks

[@UoGHoneyBeeResearchCentre]

Glad to help. :)

[@MKIV2JZGT]

It would be very helpful, educational and informative on doing splits with out introducing a queen like you did on these 3 split methods in this video. And show some methods where bees make their own Queen in splits. Especially for Beekeepers who don't have access to extra Queens or not able to buy/order Queens from from Queen rearing Beekeepers.