I have one from last year, I am adding two more, how close can I put the hives, I see some commercial guys just butt them up against each other. it that ok to do?
i like to have a space between mine,2 1/2 ft so when i do inspections i can get between them.when i lose 40+lbs this year i could close up the space to 2ft :-D ...schawee
Congratulations Schawee on your projected weight lose, that's really good. Slacker I think you can put the hives as close together as you like. My mentor who is 96 has his right against each other. I have mine about six feet apart. I'm hoping to move them closer together this year to fit more hives in the space.
i'd say it all depends on the space you have available, and if you eventually want to increase your #s even more. I pair mines so i can work each from one side but they are too close (one foot apart) to access the other side.
If one hive is established and I add two new ones , would the established hive try and rob the other hives?
As long as the honey flow is on I have little trouble with an established hive. I try do do splits when there is plenty of nectar around. When there is a dirth is when I have problems. Keep the entrance small on the new hives also.
David