Bees in Big Birdhouse - Extract now or later?

[Grandma_DOG]

I'm going to try to pick up a ladies birdhouse with bees.  But given that it is fall, I'm not sure if I should attempt the removal now or wait till spring.

Ideas?

[Kathyp]

I'd wait.  put the birdhouse in a nice protected place, and see if they make it until spring.  unless it's a mc-birdhouse it's probably a pretty small hive?  it will have a better chance of making it where it is.  see if you can figure out a way to feed it without causing robbing.

[Keith13]

I agree I had a small hive in a birdhouse make the winter then did the cutout in the spring worked out fine

Keith

[JP]

I would wait also. Now if they are absolutely busting out at the seams, you could attach a box of some sort, perhaps a nuc, to give them more room to spread out if they need to, to prevent an abscond.

I've overwintered nucs before just fine.


...JP

[Cindi]

GrandmaDog, hey that is cool!!!  Funny how the bees will go into just about anything to make their beautiful little home. I would love to see a picture of this, is that possible?  Have that most wonderful and beautifully great day, health.  Cindi