moving hives versus local bees

[Pre-Bee (Rowan)]

Hives of local bees are good, but if you're moving a significant distance, say several states away, do you move your hives or find someone to take care of them and start over?  At what point does your decision switch from one to the other?  Would your decision depend on the number of hives, the number of miles, or the amount of time you've invested in your bees, perhaps their lineage?

Thanks for your opinions!

[buck man]

I think all your statements have pause to reflect. I personally think moving bees is easy. Replacing bees can get spend. If you got lots of dough just buy new ones. You could also sell your old ones to offset costs. :cheer:

[indypartridge]

Would your decision depend on the number of hives, the number of miles, or the amount of time you've invested in your bees, perhaps their lineage?

For me, the decision would focus primarily on number of colonies and cost (in time and money) to move them, versus selling them and starting over.

Some states also have regulations regarding bringing bees across state lines. For example, if you want to sell/ship bees to Indiana, you'll need to get a certificate from the State Apiary Inspector.

[yockey5]

I once moved my bees from Chattanooga, Tn to Ada, Ok. with a drop off time (6 weeks) in the mountains of Arkansas. Easy move, got a honey crop in Arkansas, then right on to Ada.
In the course of this move I spent one night in a motel and the bees (8 colonies) did just fine sitting on the back of the trailer.

[Vance G]

If you have good stock and equipment and they are wintering well, I would bet you could sell out at a premium and make your move easier.  If your move takes you to where bees and or equipment will cost more due to availability or freight, they are movable.  Your choice, but moving is stressful and busy.  You have to decide what you can do.

[Michael Bush]

I leave room at the back of the U-Haul and put them there and leave the door open a crack for air...