How close to each other is OK for hives?

[challenger]

With my 2 and now 4 hives I have used a method that I think has helped a lot. I placed the 4 hives (2 are splits from 3-deeps donor hives)right next to each other separated only by 4" thick rigid insulation.
I feel like the insulation has helped a great deal in brood rearing this late winter/early Spring here.
I suppose there is always the risk of robbing and desease spread but thought I would keep them together until I can see the 2 splits are working well and then I will separate them.
We have huge condensation problems here so I also keep the ops covered-w-a heavy "Camo" blanket so the tops get temps moderated and have not seen condensation since doing this. I only cover the very top.

[Cossack]

Hello Challenger,

You should move them at least 3 feet apart from each other. Otherwise you are goinng to have drifting problems. The Center hives are going to suffer.

[jdpro5010]

You should move them 5ft. apart.  You will still prolly have drifting problems, but at least you set a split down in between them.

[johnnybigfish]

I have some just inches( ok, actually touching each other) apart..Then I have some a foot apart...and then some which stand about 12 feet from the next closest ones.( 6 active hives in all right now, but many empty ones all around too, just waiting for more bees)...So far, they all seem to be doing as well as the next.
your friend,
john

[Michael Bush]

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesmisc.htm#hivestand

[challenger]

This is not meant to be critical but looking at the replies, all of which I appreciate BTW, it serves to reinforce my belief that beekeepers use what works for them. I am not referring to the replies to this post but I've met so many beekeepers that are just so set in their ways and their way is always the only way.
Here I can get varied opinions w/o being castigated for making an error or trying something new.
Beekeeping seems to be in such a dynamic state that I think many here are open to new ideas which is great.
I appreciate the feedback.
Howard

[Kathyp]

mine are less than a foot apart.  just enough room between to set covers, etc. 

[TwT]

about 6 inches apart here and they do fine!!

[doak]

Listen to and try some of what others say.
In the end you are your own beekeeper. What works "best" for you is the way you should go.
That said, I try to never have more than "two" colonies close to one another.
I am speaking of with in inches. There is only about 30 feet between my #1 and #7 colony.
Of course all colonies total form a semi circle.
:)doak

[Brian D. Bray]

I like to place mine so I can walk completely around each and every hive, but that's just me.  If you like working an assembly line set them side by side.

[bassman1977]

I like to place mine so I can walk completely around each and every hive, but that's just me.

Same for me.  I stagger them in the yard so my hive layout is something like:

X X X X X
X X X X
X X X X X

One of these days I'll post new pictures of my apiary.

[IABeeMan]

 My main yard has 12 hives sitting on 6 pallets. I have about 3 feet between each pallet give or take (this is simply for walking between pallets). on each pallet I have 2 hives sitting with just enough room to sit the cover between them. On each pallet I have one hive facing south and one facing east to prevent drifty. something like this:

SE  SE  SE  SE  SE  SE

On the other hand my fater has 2" square channel running across cinder blocks as a stand and has anywhere from 15-25 hives sitting about 4 inches apart and all facing the same direction and has never had a drifting problem. I attribute alot of his nondrifting to his rainbow hive bodies. I dont think he has more than 4-6 hives bodies any one color. He buys all the mis mixed paint from home depot and has at least 10-15 diff color boxes. Having the diff colors helps the bees know which box is home.