i have too many colonies and have been collecting swarms in the area. i now want to know how to combine a swarm to an existing colony...if i have a swarm, say, in a 5 gallon bucket and it has a queen (or if it doesn't) how can i unite it with an existing colony?
thnx all.
Put first the swarm into foundation box, give syrup and let them draw foundations. Let them make brood box full.
You you put bees stright into existing hive, they might swarm.
When you have mainflow of nectar make a proper tower from you hives. You just take another queen away and put two colonies together next day. They should be about egual size. If you connect small to bigg one, you shoud keep them together screen between boxes so they cannot kill each others. They odors will be mixed overnight.
Don't take swarm queens. You get swarm next summer if you do that.
Dont try to change queen for swarm during first week. They will become very upset.
If you do not need hives you may sell swarm colonies. Swarms are very free from AFB when you put them on foundations. Perhaps your pastures do not stand more foragers if you have enough hives.