Sharing honey between hives

[mtbe]

I have three TB Hives.  One is doing great.  Lots of honey stores, about 7 - 8 bars full of honey, about 8-9 full of brood and a bit-o-honey.

The other two maybe have one bar full of honey each, and 9-11 bars of brood a a bit-o-honey.

I was planning on leaving the honey for the bees over winter, and not feed them.  But, looks like I might have to feed.

But..., can I take 4 bars from the first hive, and put 2 bars in each of the other? 

Would that be enough for the winter?  Hive dimensions are 14" across top, 8" across bottom, 1.5" wide bar.

[Michael Bush]

Yes you will need to feed them.  Even if you steal some honey, that's not really enough for all three hives.

[mtbe]

Okay, feeding two hives...

Are the 7-8 bars FULL of honey able to winter the one hive, or will I need to feed them also?

Yes, I know I have to be sure they are at one end of the hive at the beginning of the winter season.

[Michael Bush]

For every comb covered with bees you should have two of capped honey to feed them.  Well, that's here.  I don't know about there, but I'd guess it's about the same.

[mtbe]

Wow.  That's a lot of honey to keep in the hive.  It is so tempting to take it and feed candy over the winter.

I will resist since I have already made candy board to fit in the hives.

Thanks for the advice!!!