question about a newly captured swarm

[md]

I was lucky enough to catch a swarm from my hive that landed close by in our apple tree. I set up the new hive near the other 2 hives in the yard. Shortly after I noticed that bees were leaving the new hive at a steady rate but none were returning.  I closed up the entrance - I thought I would open  it up later when I return home from work in a few hours.  Even with the entrance closed up none of the bees that left are hanging around the hive.  It was a pretty large swarm from a hive that was going great. (was) It's cool and misty  here in WA (par for the course) and they have a screened bottom board so they have ventilation.  Any thoughts?

[Moonshae]

The foragers are more likely go back to their home hive on the return than the new one, if the new hive is that close.

[KONASDAD]

hanging swarms can be difficult to keep. I like to hive late in day, and put on top of queen excluder for two days. This will keep queen in and they dont leave. I have had one leave after ttwo days of excluder, but usually they stay. If you have some drawn comb, that is ideal.

[md]

Thanks for the reply.  so here it is evening...I am tempted to open up the entrance and see what happens.  Or should I wait till morning? I do have some of each - drawn out empty comb and foundation frames.  I guess it is all a chance, eh?

[Moonshae]

I've hived 8 swarms this year, most of them in the morning, no excluder, and never had a problem. Maybe bees don't like your setup, KONASDAD.  :-P

[md]

Well I couldn't stand the suspense so I let em out and they seem to be comming and going ok and even fanning at the enterance. I would be really happy to see someone come in with full pollen baskets though. 
So here is my next question... I put the swarm into to 2 boxes just for room for the branch with the swarm- the top box had the frames. I want to remove the branch and add a few more frames to complete the upper box and eventually remove the empty bottom box.  When would you suggest that I do this? This evening and get it over with or wait till tomorrow,  or???

[Brian D. Bray]

Well I couldn't stand the suspense so I let em out and they seem to be comming and going ok and even fanning at the enterance. I would be really happy to see someone come in with full pollen baskets though. 
So here is my next question... I put the swarm into to 2 boxes just for room for the branch with the swarm- the top box had the frames.

I would have just shook the bees into the hive and left the branch on the tree.  Once the queen is in the hive, placing a queen excluder between the bottom board and brood box can help retain the bees.  The reason is that if the swarm had already decided on a final site they will abscond from the hive.  If they hadn't decided on a hive site they'll most probably stay in the one you provided.

I want to remove the branch and add a few more frames to complete the upper box and eventually remove the empty bottom box.  When would you suggest that I do this? This evening and get it over with or wait till tomorrow,  or???

If the bees have moved off the branch and onto the frames, just remove the branch and finish filling the box with any needed frames.  Delaying the removeal of the branch can mean the bees will build comb around it and fasten it into the hive.  If it's a real large swarm 6-8 lbs of bees 2 boxes is probably better than 1, but if the bees will fit into on box reduce the hive to that until they've drawn out 75-80% of the frames, then add a 2nd box.

BTW, I giving a BBQ on August 31st for PNW beekeepers from the forum.  Cindi and Hanna-Davida (BC), Sean Kelley and Poka-bee (Buckley), will be there along with Brendhan Horn from Florida.  Be a blast--you're now officially invited.

[md]

thanks for the great suggestions and some I will employ the next time I try to hive a swarm. And thanks, Brian, for the invite - the end of August seems so far away, but I'll mark my calendar!