Adding two more hives

[slacker361]

I have one from last year, I am adding two more, how close can I put the hives, I see some commercial guys just butt them up against each other. it that ok to do?

[schawee]

i like to have a space between mine,2 1/2 ft so when i do inspections i can get between them.when i lose 40+lbs this year i could close up the space to 2ft :-D   ...schawee

[Course Bee]

Congratulations Schawee on your projected weight lose, that's really good. Slacker I think you can put the hives as close together as you like. My mentor who is 96 has his right against each other. I have mine about six feet apart. I'm hoping to move them closer together this year to fit more hives in the space.

[organicfarmer]

i'd say it all depends on the space you have available, and if you eventually want to increase your #s even more. I pair mines so i can work each from one side but they are too close (one foot apart) to access the other side.

[slacker361]

If one hive is established and I add two new ones , would the established hive try and rob the other hives?

[troutstalker2]

 As long as the honey flow is on I have little trouble with an established hive. I try do do splits when there is plenty of nectar around. When there is a dirth is when I have problems. Keep the entrance small on the new hives also.

David