I have just started keeping bees and have 10 hives with only 2 swarms so far. I am intrigued by the bees and love suiting up to have a look at them! Also, whenever it looks like a new swarm may have moved into an empty hive, I open the hive to see, mainly because I can't resist! Two questions re my over-eagerness:
1) Will opening a hive up often unsettle the colony to the extent that they move out?
2) Will scouts/prospective colonies be put off from moving into the hive when they see me sticking head into it?
Any input would be greatly appreciated, thanks.
when you are new, it's important to get in there and look BUT when you do, you set the hive back a little and you do risk damaging your queen while you are rummaging around in there.
when i pick up a swarm, i leave them alone for a full week. until there is brood and food there is the risk that they will leave. as for the swarm traps, i don't think they are bothered by you taking a look. it's not like you are tossing them around or anything.
so...leave the swarms alone after you set them up. look at the other hives, but try not to disrupt them to much, to often. enjoy :-D
As a general rule, unless you have purpose in the hive every 7 to 10 days is often enough to peep in. If they have decided on a box they will go in it with you standing there twiddle with it.
If the case is that you did not see a swarm enter a box and wish to confirm so, just raise the lid enough to see what is inside. Other wise wait about ten days to check on them. hope this helps. :) d2
Really appreciate the input, very helpful, thank you very much.