The Italian hive looks very healthy. The bottom box has some brood, some empty frames and lots of pollen. The middle box has brood, nectar and pollen as does the top box. Not all the frames are full, but I gave them an extra box so they don't feel crowded. They now have 4 boxes to work with.
The hybrid hive is still struggling. I did not find dead bees this time, but the queen has still not filled in 2 boxes. I put a robbing screen on the hive just in case. I saw a frame of what looked to be honey that had been stripped bare. While I was watching the hive today I saw lots of pollen going in so I'm still hopeful. Both hives are bringing in goldenrod if I understand the smell correctly. I want to get another box on this hive before winter so I'll be putting buckets on again.
I think I'll dose them with fumagilin and ApiLife Var in preparation for winter. 3 doses of ApiLife Var--4 pieces every 7-10 days (daytime average temperature between 68 and 86). Less effective when temp is below 54. Can cause bee kill when temp is over 90. Close up screened bottom board and beware robbing. 2 gallons fumagilin in the Fall. 1 rounded teaspoon == 5 grams + 1/2 gallon water + 8 lbs sugar for feeding.
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