Moving Hives during Winter

BeeHopper · September 19, 2008, 08:10:27 PM

Well, is it a good idea ?

My dilemma: I may have to move my hives ( 15 to date) to another section of a farm, the distance we're talking is approximately 1500 feet. My friend who owns a small farm and leases an adjacent one ( my hives are there) is embroiled in a financial and political situation on the leased farm. It appears that he will not lease next year, so that means you know what. Moving is not the problem except for short distances, timing of the move is, would moving the hives in winter stress the bees when they are in their cluster and not flying ? Moving short distances while they are out and about will cause problems with bees returning to their old location. What are my options :?

BeeHopper

annette · September 20, 2008, 12:21:47 AM

Here the beeks say it is ok to move in winter. I have read this on the forum

MBrowne · September 20, 2008, 12:45:50 AM

I have moved some in the winter myself. Only because of an absolute need such as yours. I made sure the tempreture was above freezing and would stay that way for at lease a day or two.

Cossack · September 20, 2008, 06:40:40 PM

I had the same problem with respect to moving the hives. I had to move 4 of them 2000 feet from their original location. What I did was: I moved them at night and then placed several tree limbs in front of their entrance. The next day they came out and reoriented themselves to the new location. I kept the tree limbs in front of the hives for about 2 weeks. It worked perfectly. I had no problems at all. This method can be used any time of the year.

Good Luck... ;)

SCFarms · September 20, 2008, 08:51:51 PM

Have you talked with the person who owns the land, maybe he/she would let you leave them there. It couldn't hurt to ask and would save you the hassle

Michael Bush · September 20, 2008, 09:37:46 PM

Why not just move them now?

BeeHopper · September 21, 2008, 01:46:59 PM

Quote from: SCFarms on September 20, 2008, 08:51:51 PM
Have you talked with the person who owns the land, maybe he/she would let you leave them there. It couldn't hurt to ask and would save you the hassle

The Land belongs to a Housing Developer and Home Owners which they lease to farmers for $2500. per year. The 20 or so acres cannot be developed, so it is under farmland Assessment. Unless a Farmer leases the land, I cannot be on it. There's more to it and it gets worse, but on the lighter side, the home owners do not have a problem with the bee yard. :-D

BeeHopper · September 21, 2008, 01:57:39 PM

Quote from: Michael Bush on September 20, 2008, 09:37:46 PM
Why not just move them now?

I am not willing to move just yet, but will wait for the FINAL word from my good friend. There will be meetings between him, the Developer & Home Owners in the coming months to solve the matter. There is always the possibility of staying. :)

KONASDAD · September 22, 2008, 03:07:10 PM

Its good you have friends w/ strong backs and a willingness to help move hives- oh, yeah thats me!!! Call me if needed!

Since they wont be flying, perhaps moving can wait until spring?

BeeHopper · September 22, 2008, 04:15:22 PM

Quote from: KONASDAD on September 22, 2008, 03:07:10 PM
Its good you have friends w/ strong backs and a willingness to help move hives- oh, yeah thats me!!! Call me if needed!

Since they wont be flying, perhaps moving can wait until spring?

Believe me, you've already been VOLUNTEERED :evil: