New beekeeper question

[david516]

Hey guys, new beekeeper here, I got my first package of bees, decided to try and catch a swarm and caught one my first week. I put some larvae in there, now I would like to move and change the bottom board. I'm unsure if I can change the bottom board and move them all at once or should I wait in between? The swarm has been there for about 8 days.

[GSF]

David; welcome, and congrats! How cool is that? Catch a swarm your first week. Update your profile and put your location down. A lot of answers are location specific. I'll let some more experienced beeks answer your questions, I don't have any experience in doing that.

[Steel Tiger]

 You can change the bottom board during the day. That night, close up the hive (tape the entrance shut) and either wrap a strap around it or use strong tape to hold the hive together. Move the bees then, or the next morning. If you moved them nearby (within 2 miles) put a branch in front of the entrance when you open it so the bees have to navigate out and re-orientate. After a few days, remove the branch.

[david516]

thanks

[Intheswamp]

What I do...

Cut a piece of 1/8" wire mesh as long as the hive entrance is wide and 4-5 inches wide.  Fold this down the center to make a long v-shaped wedge.  The idea is to push the "v" into the entrance the tension of the wire holds it in place, it keeps the bees from escaping but allows ventilation.

That night after the bees are inside the hive box wedge the v-shaped piece of mesh into the entrance.  Then take a decent ratchet strap and go around the hive, from bottom board to top cover.  Ratchet it down snuggly.  You want a decent ratchet strap, nothing fancy, but solid....the reason is that you can use the strap for a handle to carry the hive with.

Move the hive to where you want it and pull the 1/8" mesh out of the entrance and leave them for the night.  You can swap the bottom board out the next day or wait a few days.  Remove the hive from the hive stand and set to the side.  Place the new bottom board on the stand.  Next separate the hive box from the old bottomboard and while you have the hive box lifted up go ahead and set it slowly down on the new bottomboard.  Takes about a minute.  Pick up the old bottomboard and walk off.  Done. ;)

Congrats on the swarm capture!!!

Best wishes,
Ed