Moving hives in the middle of winter

[dgc1961]

I am wanting to move my 2 hives to the other side of the yard.  I am thinking of doing it in the middle of winter, sometime when the weather will be cold for a week or so.  Has anybody ever tried this and been successfull.

I am thinking that if they are in for a while then come out they will notice the difference.  What does everybody think of that?

[sc-bee]

What I have read on forum ---- not tried ---- is if during cold weather (or confined) for three days they will reorient. A branch in front of entrance at new location helps them notice a change.

[Robo]

Just keep in mind, if it is cold enough for them to cluster, any bees that fall off the cluster from you jarring the hive will end up dieing.    With that said,  I have moved hives in the winter successfully without reorientation issues.

[Two Bees]

Best time to move them so long as you allow them to reorient as mentioned.  In our area, most days are warm enough for some to be flying.  I plan to move a few myself in early January when I do my first winter inspection.

[Finski]

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It is normal procedure to those who keep bees in cellar/chelter during winter.

One trip in and one trip out.

It is better to be cold that bees retreat and not come out to fly.
The entrance  needs mesh block.
In the evening they calm down quickly.
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