Hi,
How long could I keep bees in a package without risking loosing them? Could I spray them with sugar water thru the package screen to supplement them for a short time. Can of sugar water will probably be empty before I plan release.
My first package of bees are arriving Monday (few days from now). I am away from site they are going to end up at. Is there a way to supplement their feeding in a package until release on Friday? Temps going to be in the 60's this coming week.
I could install my package, then close them up night before I am leaving to my final destination. I would rather do it at the location, if I could.
Any suggestions on doing this.
thanks
David
Package bees usually have a can of sugar syrup installed at the top. If it's only a couple (2-3) of days then you're probably okay. If the temps are cool I wouldn't spray them. If you're not sure then lightly spray the sugar syrup on the bottom of the container. Not to drown them.
IMHO You are much better off installing them as soon as you can. If you cannot store them in a cool dark place such as a cellar. spray sugar at 1:1 mix every 4 to 6 hours. Never let a package run out of feed !!!
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :smile:
Hi,
Thanks for the replies. I have decided to release the bees on my pickup package day. I will have to move the brood box with the bees inside and blocked off. I will postpone my trip another week back.
Is there a recommended way to move the hive? Besides blocking off entrance, and strapping the hive together. For releasing them in the new location, I was told I have to put something in front of the entrance so they will re learn their new location before leaving hive. Any other things I should try?
Thanks
David
Screen the hive, don't block the air flow.
If the move is over 5 mile, nothing needs to be done at destination. Just open the screen and let them fly. They will re-orientate.
Hi,
When you say screen the hive, do you mean the hive entrance, or the entire brood box with bottom board and cover? I was thinking of screening off the entrance night before moving and strapping hive together. They are moving 300 miles away (5 hour trip).
Thanks
David
do you have a screened bottom board? if you do, you don't need to screen the entrance. if you don't, your plan to screen the entrance and strap the boxes is a good one. If the box is very full and you are going to do 5 hours in the sun, be careful that you don't cook them even with the screened entrance. Can you move them at night?
What Kathy said.
Hi,
Bees installed. I decided to block off the entrance totally. I prepped the top of the frames with a screened top that I will screw on to give them plenty of air. I put the screened top under my telescoping cover and just removed the inner cover. I will then strap the solid bottom board with the brood box (over the screened top). Will be traveling in the back of my pickup truck with cap. I can open the front and side windows of my cap to give them some air.
Thanks
David