delayed package bee release questions.

chickenwing654 · April 18, 2015, 12:35:11 AM

Hi,

How long could I keep bees in a package without risking loosing them? Could I spray them with sugar water thru the package screen to supplement them for a short time. Can of sugar water will probably be empty before I plan release.

My first package of bees are arriving Monday (few days from now). I am away from site they are going to end up at. Is there a way to supplement their feeding in a package until release on Friday? Temps going to be in the 60's this coming week.

I could install my package, then close them up night before I am leaving to my final destination. I would rather do it at the location, if I could.

Any suggestions on doing this.

thanks
David

GSF · April 18, 2015, 08:12:15 AM

Package bees usually have a can of sugar syrup installed at the top. If it's only a couple (2-3) of days then you're probably okay. If the temps are cool I wouldn't spray them. If you're not sure then lightly spray the sugar syrup on the bottom of the container. Not to drown them.

Jim134 · April 18, 2015, 09:59:30 AM

IMHO You are much better off installing them as soon as you can. If you cannot store them in a cool dark place such as a cellar. spray sugar at 1:1 mix every 4 to 6 hours. Never let a package run out of feed !!!

BEE HAPPY Jim 134

chickenwing654 · April 18, 2015, 10:00:19 PM

Hi,

Thanks for the replies. I have decided to release the bees on my pickup package day. I will have to move the brood box with the bees inside and blocked off. I will postpone my trip another week back.

Is there a recommended way to move the hive? Besides blocking off entrance, and strapping the hive together. For releasing them in the new location, I was told I have to put something in front of the entrance so they will re learn their new location before leaving hive. Any other things I should try?

Thanks
David

iddee · April 18, 2015, 10:36:23 PM

Screen the hive, don't block the air flow.
If the move is over 5 mile, nothing needs to be done at destination. Just open the screen and let them fly. They will re-orientate.

chickenwing654 · April 19, 2015, 06:48:05 AM

Hi,
When you say screen the hive, do you mean the hive entrance, or the entire brood box with bottom board and cover? I was thinking of screening off the entrance night before moving and strapping hive together. They are moving 300 miles away (5 hour trip).

Thanks
David

Kathyp · April 19, 2015, 10:59:33 AM

do you have a screened bottom board? if you do, you don't need to screen the entrance. if you don't, your plan to screen the entrance and strap the boxes is a good one. If the box is very full and you are going to do 5 hours in the sun, be careful that you don't cook them even with the screened entrance. Can you move them at night?

iddee · April 19, 2015, 12:34:18 PM

What Kathy said.

chickenwing654 · April 21, 2015, 08:06:48 PM

Hi,

Bees installed. I decided to block off the entrance totally. I prepped the top of the frames with a screened top that I will screw on to give them plenty of air. I put the screened top under my telescoping cover and just removed the inner cover. I will then strap the solid bottom board with the brood box (over the screened top). Will be traveling in the back of my pickup truck with cap. I can open the front and side windows of my cap to give them some air.

Thanks
David