Getting 2 packages - Install question

Gunslinger · February 20, 2009, 08:25:02 AM

Hello All,
Newbee here from Greene, RI.
Great site! I have been reading and reading and reading.....Lots to learn here.

I ordered 2 medium garden hives from Brushy Mt. & two 3# packages from a local source.
I'm thinking of putting the hives in the same area about 3-5 feet apart.

When I install the bees should I install both at once or wait for the first package to settle in before I install the second hives package?

BjornBee · February 20, 2009, 08:28:14 AM

Put them in at the same time.

beemaster · February 20, 2009, 08:33:01 AM

Welcome to the forum:

Take a look at my install package video, it may be helpful. You can also carefully use a utility knife to cut through th screen and basically do as the video shows too :)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a4a-Tw-qFI&feature=channel_page

JP · February 20, 2009, 08:48:18 AM

Do them at the same time. John's package install video is very helpful and will facilitate the process immensely. I urge you to check it out. A lot easier than trying to shake them all out through the syrup can hole.

Welcome and good luck!

Please document the event with pictures or a video, you won't regret doing it.

...JP

beemaster · February 20, 2009, 09:43:57 AM

JP:

Sorry to miss you in chat last night, I had to nap, I worked midnight and just going to bed now for a few hours. I hope to see you soon :)

JP · February 20, 2009, 11:12:59 AM

We'll talk soon John.

...JP

Understudy · February 20, 2009, 06:19:43 PM

Do them at the same time.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

Gunslinger · February 20, 2009, 06:38:49 PM

Thanks for the speedy replies.

Alrighty, I will do both hives at the same time.

J.P. Good idea, I will enlist someone to take photos. It should be interesting to look back on.

I tried the link for beemasters's video however it is down at this time. I will try again later.
I have a youtube vid saved by njbeemaster. Would that bee the same person?

beemaster · February 21, 2009, 03:47:20 PM

Yes on NJBeemaster, that is me in Youtube - somebody beat me to beemaster :whip:

The link at the bottom of my post here should take you right to all my videos, the Install has over 48 thousand views which is pretty cool :)

Get someone with a camera for sure, you'll be glad you did. Here is a link that also may be helpful, I made this a few seasons ago, my wife Tracey was the shutterbug and she did great!

Install Video link (different link) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5a4a-Tw-qFI
Install webpage http://www.beemaster.com/site/honeybee/inst2004.html

The webpage is a bit different than the install video - it does though cover the basics and it is a TWO PACKAGE INSTALL WALK-THRU. Best of luck and keep us informed :)

Zane · March 09, 2009, 07:41:45 PM

thanks good info

TimLa · April 04, 2009, 09:05:14 PM

This will be my second hive (bears, don't ask). Package due on 4/15.

Last years (and I expect this years) the queen has no candy plug - last year I just hung the cage for a few days in the hive - any need to do this? Should I just direct release?

-T

JP · April 04, 2009, 09:14:38 PM

T, package bees have had time generally speaking to accept the packaged queen.

You could do a direct release but because you have paid for these bees you will want to guarantee as best you can acceptance of the queen.

You could do as you did last yr or just place her atop the frames, shake the bees and see how they respond to her. If they appear to be tending to her, you could release her. If they appear hostile, biting at her or trying to sting her, do not direct release her, wait a few days and check for acceptance again.

You may also want to use a queen excluder for the first 3-4 days also to ensure the bees accept their new home.

Would hate to see your money wasted if they killed her or they swarmed out on you.

...JP