Hive facing wrong direction

AllieBaxterLubbs · May 02, 2015, 10:04:25 PM

I am very new to beekeeping and installed my first package today. I was so focused on making sure the hive was on level ground and had enough space around it that I forgot to make sure I set it up facing south or southeast, which I've heard is preferable for the bees. Is this true? Is it possible to turn the hive once the bees are in? I know moving the hive can disorient the bees and there is a whole process to go through when moving the hive- is this the case if you are just turning it? Should I just build wind barriers instead and hope for the best?

Maggiesdad · May 02, 2015, 11:05:59 PM

I'm just a five week newbie, but I would spin that rascal either tonight or early in the morning. Orientation will be in earnest tomorrow any way. They will figure it out.

S-SE is good , especially if the prevailing wind is N-NW

divemaster1963 · May 02, 2015, 11:34:28 PM

Turn them at night and place a leafy branch in front of the entrance to make them reorientate to the entrance. I really don't worry with making face south. I have them facing every direction. Mostly towards a good source of flow.

John

Kathyp · May 03, 2015, 12:04:25 AM

I wouldn't worry about it to much. I live in a colder area. Mine face east. Put your location in your profile for more area specific help.

JackM · May 03, 2015, 08:43:02 AM

I oriented one of my hives to a west entrance trying to make them fly away from a pathway. No good they leave the hive and turn due South immediately. So I say no big deal

iddee · May 03, 2015, 08:04:49 PM

Turn it. They will be fine.

little john · May 04, 2015, 03:39:50 AM

I used to position all mine facing SE to catch the early morning sun, but then made a dual hive with entrances at opposite ends - one entrance facing NE, the other SW. Hasn't made a ha'porth of difference - all hives 'wake up' and fly at roughly the same time.
LJ

Paul Reyes · May 04, 2015, 04:38:26 AM

In most apiaries, the hives are placed in rows or paired in rows. The hives within a pair should be 6 to 8 inches apart (15 to 20 cm), and there should be 5 to 8 feet (1.5 to 2.4 m) between pairs.

When the hives are in long rows, there is a tendency for some bees to drift to the wrong hives. This drifting may be due to prevailing winds which continually push returning bees toward the end of the rows.

Drifting can be reduced by placing the hives in a horseshoe configuration, by putting up a windbreak, or by shortening or staggering the rows.