Installing packages of bees

Started by cao, March 01, 2014, 08:17:35 PM

Previous topic - Next topic

0 Members and 1 Guest are viewing this topic.

Print
Go Down Pages1
User actions

cao

March 01, 2014, 08:17:35 PM
When installing multiple packages, how far apart should the hives be?  I have 2 packages ordered and was wondering, if the hives were too close, would they drift to the one that has the stronger queen?

iddee

#1
March 01, 2014, 10:06:25 PM
Quite possibly. If I only had 2, I would place them at least 10 feet apart. Then after you know she is laying, move them a few feet daily until they are where you want them.

If they do drift and one looks to be much stronger than the other, just switch places with them. It will help to even them out.
"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me . . . Anything can happen, child. Anything can be"

*Shel Silverstein*

sc-bee

#2
March 01, 2014, 10:08:19 PM
Installing late in the eveing as possible will also help on the drifting
John 3:16

RHBee

#3
March 02, 2014, 06:06:23 AM
I never considered the possibility that package bees would drift. Thanks for the heads up. I've purchased 6 4lb packages that are scheduled for pickup 5/24. I'll be placing them inches apart. I assumed they would orient as if they were emerging brood. Luckily, they will be located in the back yard so I can monitor them closely.
Later,
Ray

iddee

#4
March 02, 2014, 10:22:22 AM
Emerging bees have the smell of the hive and their mother queen. Package bees come from several hives and a strange queen. Why should they act similar?

Package bees orient to what they consider the best home available. Usually it is the nearest one, but can be the next one if the pheremones from that one are stronger.
"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me . . . Anything can happen, child. Anything can be"

*Shel Silverstein*

gmcharlie

#5
March 02, 2014, 01:50:47 PM
I would also do a soft install (no shakeing)  that will keep down the number of airborne bees going to the other box.  and evening so they stay put all night.

Charlie

RHBee

#6
March 02, 2014, 03:52:58 PM
Quote from: iddee on March 02, 2014, 10:22:22 AM
Emerging bees have the smell of the hive and their mother queen. Package bees come from several hives and a strange queen. Why should they act similar?

Package bees orient to what they consider the best home available. Usually it is the nearest one, but can be the next one if the pheremones from that one are stronger.

It's not that I doubt what you're saying it's just that I have never considered the possibility. I appreciate the information.
Later,
Ray
Print
Go Up Pages1
User actions