Just checked three of mine overwintered on brood and a half - with the super underneath. All had used most/all of the stores in the super, were looking strong for the time of year and should be ready for further expansion in the next couple of weeks. Rather than shaking off all the bees I put the brood box back on the floor, added a clearer board, then the super.

One of the colonies was very strong and the queen had started laying in the super … just my luck that she chose the three middle frames that happened to be drawn drone foundation Of the 9 or 10 colonies checked so far this year I'd say the ones on brood and a half have done at least as well, if not better, than the rest.

I moved her to the bottom box and will recover the vacated supers on Tuesday/Wednesday.