first swarm

chris8126 · May 02, 2009, 08:06:24 PM

I just got a swarm out of a tree in my backyard. I put them in a deep super with 10 frames of new wax coated plastic frames. I don't really know what to do now. Should I put another hive body on now or wait awhile. Should I feed them sugar water now. I found them a few hundred yards from a neighbors hives and plan to move them a half mile or so, I was going to leave the hive under the tree for tonight then should I move them tomorrow.

tillie · May 02, 2009, 08:44:28 PM

Well, I'm fairly new at the swarm stuff, but I know you don't want to add another box/super until they have built out 80% of the box you put them in.

As for moving them, just make sure whenever you do it that you put debris - leaves, sticks etc. at the hive entrance so they will orient to the new location.

I didn't look to see your location, but I don't feed the bees at this time of year in Atlanta - we are in the middle of the biggest nectar flow and there are tulip poplars within yards of all of my hives.

Linda T in Atlanta

doak · May 02, 2009, 09:05:40 PM

Depends on the size of the swarm.The last two I recovered required, 3 deeps and a medium for one and 2 deeps and a medium for this last one I got. I lost one big swarm last year because, I think, they be leaved the place they found wasn't big enough. They were gone before I could get another box on. You could offer some feed to see if they will take it, until you get ready to add supers.
Doesn't hurt to give a little boost if they need or want it.doak :)

asprince · May 02, 2009, 09:22:58 PM

I agree with doak. I would feed the a little until they draw out some comb. The only food they have is what is in their stomachs. Until they draw some comb, they have no place to store food. In addition, it takes food (honey/syrup) to draw wax.

Steve

Kathyp · May 02, 2009, 09:53:12 PM

i feed swarms. they need do the whole orientation thing, and they are already hungry. the sooner they eat, the faster they draw out comb and reproduce. + i think it helps anchor them to the new accommodations.

JP · May 02, 2009, 09:59:13 PM

Feed them. Move them if you want to.

...JP

iddee · May 02, 2009, 10:33:57 PM

Move them tonight. Most swarms that leave do so because they were left where they were caught and the scout bees come back and take them to a place already chosen. If the scouts can't find them, they are much more likely to stay.

As for feeding, not necessary, but definitely helps for a faster buildup.