Removal Question

[splitrock]

Greetings!

I have been informed about a colony that has been living in an old unused (for regular services anyway) country Church, and I have the opportunity to rescue them.

I have not been to the site yet, as it is 2 hours away, and they have been there for 3 years I was told.

Since watching many videos of JP and Shawee and their adventures, I have been itching for this opportunity. I am still pretty new to this, I have 14 hives and all I have done so far out of the ordinary, is catch a couple of swarms, so I have few concerns regarding these bees.

Here in South Dakota, the nectar flows are pretty much over, and I am envisioning a pretty good sized colony with pretty good stores put up, and likely, they are going to be a little ornery. Would I be better off waiting till spring when their numbers are down and combs not so loaded as it takes a lot of honey to get a hive through one of our winters?...I am anxious and excited about the opportunity, but it is a couple of relatives that oversee the care of the building, and they will wait if need be.

Opinions and advice are surely wanted, and needed.

I will get up there in the next few days and survey the situation and get some pics if need be.

Thanks.........Joel

[iddee]

Chance of survival if moved now... 1 in 10,000 in North Dakota.

Chance of survival if moved at beginning of spring honey flow... 8 in 10.

[splitrock]

Thanks iddee

Kinda what I suspected, I will have some time to prepare.

[greenbtree]

I just moved one where the building was going to be demolished in 5 days - I would have loved to have waited until Spring.  Wait.

JC