Packaged bees into 2 hives

[ivashka]

Hi.  I am planning on getting a package of bees this coming saturday and was wondering if it'd be possible to split them into 2 hives that I already have. Is that a good idea?  Would that cause any problems?  And is there a special or a better way to do it?
Thanks.

[fermentedhiker]

Are you talking about using the package bees to boost/help out two existing colonies or do you mean you have two empty hives setup and want to split the package between them?

[buzzbee]

If they are empty hives,put the package in one hive. The package only comes with one queen,and from the very first day the bee population starts dropping until the new eggs hatch. And even then the die offs will exceed new emergence for a bit.
You will need as many bees as possible for the package to build strength.

[thegolfpsycho]

Haven't looked in a long time, but you used to able to get a 4 lbs package with queen, order an extra queen, and make 2 hives on the cheap.  I haven't visited any package sites in a long time, so don't know if it's still a viable option.

[Jim134]

            ivashka ..........

      I have gotten (1) 5 lbs package with 2 queens before and (2) 4 lbs package with queens, order an extra queen, and make 3 hives on the cheap.just my two cents....


  BEE HAPPY Jim 134  :)

[ivashka]

I have 2 existing colonies and I just ordered a package of bees to help them boost a little bit.