Moved a hive last night and want to share!!

annette · July 24, 2008, 12:04:58 AM

Well last night I moved a hive about 20 feet. I waited until dark, and closed up the hive with a moving screen and had 2 strong men lift the hive for me (it was only 2 mediums, but had lots of honey in it, and a plastic hive stand attached and was awkward)

In the morning at 6:00AM I went up and removed the moving screen and placed some branches on the landing board.

It was an interesting day as the foragers kept going back to the old site and then they would fly over to the new site. A lot of them tried to drift over to another hive that was between the 2 sites. I imagine that a lot of them will be accepted into that hive as well.

The activity was very intense all day and I hope it calms down by tomorrow.

Just wanted to share yet another new experience of beekeeping.

Annette

SgtMaj · July 24, 2008, 12:09:11 AM

Was this the hive that was being attacked by wax moths? Last I think you said, it was a fairly strong hive... will it be strong enough to endure losing the drifters? If not you might think about swapping some bees and brood over to it from that hive in the middle (if it's a strong hive that is).

annette · July 24, 2008, 12:23:08 AM

Quote from: SgtMaj on July 24, 2008, 12:09:11 AM
Was this the hive that was being attacked by wax moths? Last I think you said, it was a fairly strong hive... will it be strong enough to endure losing the drifters? If not you might think about swapping some bees and brood over to it from that hive in the middle (if it's a strong hive that is).

No this is a package I started in May and they are very strong and healthy, but they were sitting on a very shakey hive stand and I wanted to move them over to one of my strong hive stands. (the same one I sent you photos of)

SgtMaj · July 24, 2008, 02:13:33 AM

Ah, ok. Sounds good then.

Speaking of those hive stands, I should be starting on mine (with the pressure treated 4x4's) in two weeks. I thought I would be done with everything else by now, but the finishing work is taking longer than I had anticipated. Mostly because of that blasted SBB that gave me such trouble. It's nearly complete now though, I just need to sand and paint it, and the vented inner cover, too. So I should have all that wrapped up next week and can start on the stands the week after that. I'm going to make two for myself out of the pressure treated lumber that I have, since I will need to keep my first and second nuc's separate from the main hive to prevent robbing out. Once I completely switch from italians to carniolan's I'll just stack the nuc on the main hive with the entrance facing a different direction... but that'll be a while. Anyway, doing those two for myself will give me a chance to work out the bugs before doing yours. You're still not in dire need of them, right? If so, let me know and I'll make you a couple ASAP.

golddust-twins · July 24, 2008, 04:17:47 AM

Annette, your bees will continue to visit where the hive use to be for a few days and then they will settle down.

Corinne

annette · July 24, 2008, 03:31:30 PM

Quote from: SgtMaj on July 24, 2008, 02:13:33 AM
Ah, ok. Sounds good then.

Speaking of those hive stands, I should be starting on mine (with the pressure treated 4x4's) in two weeks. I thought I would be done with everything else by now, but the finishing work is taking longer than I had anticipated. Mostly because of that blasted SBB that gave me such trouble. It's nearly complete now though, I just need to sand and paint it, and the vented inner cover, too. So I should have all that wrapped up next week and can start on the stands the week after that. I'm going to make two for myself out of the pressure treated lumber that I have, since I will need to keep my first and second nuc's separate from the main hive to prevent robbing out. Once I completely switch from italians to carniolan's I'll just stack the nuc on the main hive with the entrance facing a different direction... but that'll be a while. Anyway, doing those two for myself will give me a chance to work out the bugs before doing yours. You're still not in dire need of them, right? If so, let me know and I'll make you a couple ASAP.

No not in need right now since I just lost one hive and now have only 2 hives. When you get the chance and I can get the site ready for next Spring when I plan on catching swarms. For me though, remember, not the pressure treated wood.

Thanks
Annette

annette · July 24, 2008, 03:33:41 PM

Quote from: golddust-twins on July 24, 2008, 04:17:47 AM
Annette, your bees will continue to visit where the hive use to be for a few days and then they will settle down.

Corinne

I noticed that this morning as there was a frenzy of bees all over the place. At first I thought it was a robbing going on, but the landing board was peaceful and no fighting. They are still flying over the old site, and then drifting on over to the 2 hives.

golddust-twins · July 24, 2008, 05:46:33 PM

Annette, some say bees have about a three day memory. Mine did the same thing when I moved the hive back in May.

Corinne

crowhammer · July 24, 2008, 11:43:03 PM

Please keep us informed as to the progress of your move. I am very interested as I will be moving bees shortly.

SgtMaj · July 25, 2008, 12:02:38 AM

Quote from: annette on July 24, 2008, 03:31:30 PMNo not in need right now since I just lost one hive and now have only 2 hives. When you get the chance and I can get the site ready for next Spring when I plan on catching swarms. For me though, remember, not the pressure treated wood.

Thanks
Annette

Yup, no problem. I'll definately ship them to you before winter, so no worries there.

annette · July 25, 2008, 12:16:53 AM

Thank you Sir!!!!

annette · July 25, 2008, 12:21:28 AM

Quote from: golddust-twins on July 24, 2008, 05:46:33 PM
Annette, some say bees have about a three day memory. Mine did the same thing when I moved the hive back in May.

Corinne

Tonight, about 1 hour ago, I drove on up to check on them and boy oh boy was I in for a surprise. The frenzy continues and there are bees everywhere. On the ground in back of the hive I just moved (about 4 feet away) looked like a cluster of bees and so I got my outfit on to check further. Little clusters of bees everywhere looking very upset (maybe I am projecting, but they were shaking) Clusters all around the hive, under the hive on the side of the hive on the ground everywhere. No fighting on the landing board, no dead bees anywhere. Just a lot of displaced bees looking very lost. What is happening???

I am feeling very confused right now and wondering if I am going to lose this hive as well.

Annette