Newbie needs advice for moving a colony of bees in the fall in Texas.

Beth in the Woods · October 20, 2010, 05:23:03 PM

My husband and i had intended to get our first hive this past spring, but sadly missed our chance to buy from an apiary. Now, one of our members here, who lives not too far from me, has graciously offered to share a colony with us.

Please keep in mind that we have no bees or hive yet - we will buy a hive before going, and that this is Texas, southeast Texas. We don't usually have a horrible winter, but it will get colder.

What i want to know is how long - late in the year - is it safe to transfer bees to a new hive?

Is there a certain temperature threshold i should have in mind?

Do i have a good chance of having success moving them this time of year?

I would love to get started this fall instead of waiting until spring, but i also don't want to end up with a hive full of dead bees because i didn't consider everything.

Please offer all the advice you can. I'm a sponge. :bee:

AllenF · October 20, 2010, 05:25:49 PM

So are you going to put a couple frames of bees in a new hive, new, boxes, new frames? I would wait til spring. No need and letting them freeze this winter.

Beth in the Woods · October 20, 2010, 06:13:31 PM

Quote from: AllenF on October 20, 2010, 05:25:49 PM
So are you going to put a couple frames of bees in a new hive, new, boxes, new frames? I would wait til spring. No need and letting them freeze this winter.

I have just learned that the idea is that i will trade the giver 10 new frames for 10 frames full of bees.

In that case, the bees won't be in any more danger of freezing here than there? Right?

Is there something i'm missing?

hardwood · October 20, 2010, 06:18:57 PM

I move bees all year long. Of course I have very mild winters (normally...last year was rough). I find that they're easier to move in the cold. Not as many bees out and about to worry about. If it's below 50F or so you can move them in the daytime and not worry about closing them up or losing a lot of field force.

Scott

Beth in the Woods · October 20, 2010, 06:26:21 PM

Quote from: hardwood on October 20, 2010, 06:18:57 PM
I move bees all year long. Of course I have very mild winters (normally...last year was rough). I find that they're easier to move in the cold. Not as many bees out and about to worry about. If it's below 50F or so you can move them in the daytime and not worry about closing them up or losing a lot of field force.

Scott

Oh, that's good news! Thank you!

ETA: our winters are also very mild in comparison to everyone else, and like yours, last year's winter kicked everybody's butt.

P.s. I love your sig line.

AllenF · October 20, 2010, 06:30:15 PM

10 frames of bees are plenty to winter, just feed them well.

iddee · October 20, 2010, 07:35:44 PM

1... Be sure it is 10 frames of bees, brood, and stores.

2... Take your hive to him and place the bees and frames in it.

3... Wait 3 days for them to orient and settle in the new digs.

4... Above 50 F., move them at dusk, arriving at home after dark.
If below 50 F., move anytime.

5... Feed all winter.

tecumseh · October 21, 2010, 08:46:59 AM

Howdy Beth:
not certain where in southeast Texas you may be located but as is often the case in these kind of matter follow along with Iddee's to do list exactly.

at or about 55 degrees the bees begin to cluster and moving at or about this temperature is the least risky time to move a hive. make certain you are moving the hive at least two miles or so away or the bees may return to their prior location.

cold is really a minor problem here. since a hive may brood up all winter long food resources can be a significant problem. most definitely do #5. depending on size of the hive this may be as little as a pint a week... the weight of the hive and the corresponding stores inside the hive should be the final test of this question.

and good luck neighbor...

Beth in the Woods · October 21, 2010, 09:54:07 AM

Thanks so much, y'all, for the great advice and information! It looks like i might actually become a beek before the year's out! I'm so excited!

P.S. I'm in San Jacinto Co, tecumseh, south of you, near Lake Livingston. Also, my friendly donor lives more than an hour away.

tecumseh · October 21, 2010, 09:59:58 AM

Beth:
good area and the bees will do well there. if you are a newbie you have a lot to learn. you might wish to contact our b club (Central Texas Beekeeper's Association in Brenham) we do a bee school in the spring which some folks find beneficial.

do find your closest bee club here http://www.texasbeekeepers.org/clubs/. it is a resource that is essential for most new beekeeper (imho)...

Beth in the Woods · October 21, 2010, 10:11:34 AM

Thanks, tecumseh.

There is actually a bee club in Huntsville, and we have been meaning to attend the meetings. I think this new opportunity will help us to get more inspired to actually go. And they have been sending me emails about bee school, so i'm sure we'll do that.

Yes, we're very green, as in we know nothing. :) I appreciate your input.

L Daxon · October 21, 2010, 11:33:55 AM

Beth,

You know enough to be on this site which is a huge step towards success, if you listen and learn from all the good advice (and tons of fun) to be found here.

I can't tell you how much this site has added to the enjoyment I got from my girls this year.

Linda D.

vmmartin · October 21, 2010, 12:11:43 PM

I'll let the secret out. I am the donor for Beth. I was fortunate enough to have some hives given to me and therefore thought it would be a great idea to continue the process. I am still new as well, so y'all just tell us what to do. I was going to just swap 10 frames of one of my existing hives, like a single deep to be sure to get the queen, for her empties. I have been collecting some feral colonies that I can use to continue to build up my hive count. Thanks for the input.