For the last 4yrs I have been loosing hives due to low population, but this last fall I treated them with oxalic acid, they seem extremely happy a couple weeks afterwards, the populations seem good, I'm hoping this is the first winter in a while where I don't lose a hive.
Just read a thorough completed study today that says you need about 50,000 bees to overwinter in cold climates. But I have overwintered nucs too, and certainly single deeps.
On the oil I think it just disappears mine are empty as well and I have not moved mine but also I did not put a hole lot in them either. the beetle blasters work great
Why would it be better to place a Honey Bee Kind on the bottom box when you consolidate them instead of replacing empty or partially empty frames with full honey frames from the top box.