Will I lose bees?

[tlynn]

I am picking up a nuc from a fellow about 75 miles away.  Logistically, I may need to pick them up early evening and he said he would close them up before I get there, which would still be in daylight.  Will this end up orphaning a bunch of bees?  If so, will they drift to other hives or will they die?

[jdpro5010]

I would think some of both.  Generally, though those bees left out would be foragers coming back full of nectar and pollen making them more acceptable to the other hives.

[JP]

I agree with the above. ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^


...JP

[iddee]

I'm going to partially agree. I think all will be accepted by the other hives. Can you imagine how many bees the breeder saves for his own hives by closing them in the daytime?

The breeder I buy from closes them the night before, so I get all the bees I pay for. I think you should have a serious talk with your supplier.