Package bees

JD · February 09, 2009, 12:07:18 AM

I'm getting a package of bees this spring. I have to keep it close to my other hive. What would be the closest you'd put it? Also would a robber screen be necessary and how big would you have the entrance?

qa33010 · February 09, 2009, 12:31:46 AM

JD, I have hives in the backyard right next to each other and not had a problem. As long as I leave enough room for the removal and resetting of the telescoping cover with ease. I have used robber screens at times on each hive and will do so on all this year at the same time. I also plan to use entrance reducers as well. I don't find the screen necessary unless robbing is an issue. I noticed last summer that the hives I kept screens on had more time to react when/if needed. Kept wasps pretty confused too.

With package bees, as well as swarms, I block their exit for a day and then have a reduceed entrance and robber screen and feed to get them started.

JD · February 09, 2009, 01:34:04 AM

So what size would the entrance be on the robber screen? I plan on making my own with an adjustable entrance. I don't want to loose the effectiveness of the robber screen with to big of an opening. I want to use the robber screen as a preventive measure. Kind of like better safe than sorry.

Michael Bush · February 10, 2009, 11:27:41 PM

>What would be the closest you'd put it?

No closer than this:
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/Stand1.jpg

JD · February 12, 2009, 09:36:53 PM

Thats close. Thanks

Beaver Dam · February 12, 2009, 10:22:34 PM

Is that what they call a "0" lot line?

Two Bees · February 13, 2009, 09:12:45 AM

Hey Michael, I think you have a vacancy in the back of that left pallet!

Quick.........Shove a box in that vacant lot before some "bee developer" decides to build a park or gas station on it!

BjornBee · February 13, 2009, 09:41:09 AM

Quote from: Michael Bush on February 10, 2009, 11:27:41 PM
>What would be the closest you'd put it?

No closer than this:
http://www.bushfarms.com/images/Stand1.jpg

"Talking bricks"...a great way of having the hives tell you what's going on. All my hives at least one brick.

Michael Bush · February 13, 2009, 05:20:58 PM

>"Talking bricks"...a great way of having the hives tell you what's going on. All my hives at least one brick.

How did you guess? :)

Yes bricks are always handy and can be very informative. Even just one can be in so many positions...