Greetings!
I have been informed about a colony that has been living in an old unused (for regular services anyway) country Church, and I have the opportunity to rescue them.
I have not been to the site yet, as it is 2 hours away, and they have been there for 3 years I was told.
Since watching many videos of JP and Shawee and their adventures, I have been itching for this opportunity. I am still pretty new to this, I have 14 hives and all I have done so far out of the ordinary, is catch a couple of swarms, so I have few concerns regarding these bees.
Here in South Dakota, the nectar flows are pretty much over, and I am envisioning a pretty good sized colony with pretty good stores put up, and likely, they are going to be a little ornery. Would I be better off waiting till spring when their numbers are down and combs not so loaded as it takes a lot of honey to get a hive through one of our winters?...I am anxious and excited about the opportunity, but it is a couple of relatives that oversee the care of the building, and they will wait if need be.
Opinions and advice are surely wanted, and needed.
I will get up there in the next few days and survey the situation and get some pics if need be.
Thanks.........Joel
Chance of survival if moved now... 1 in 10,000 in North Dakota.
Chance of survival if moved at beginning of spring honey flow... 8 in 10.
Thanks iddee
Kinda what I suspected, I will have some time to prepare.
I just moved one where the building was going to be demolished in 5 days - I would have loved to have waited until Spring. Wait.
JC