Abandoned Bee Hives

[mbc]

Thanks for the advice and helpful comments from you all.

I do not condone neglect of any animal and I include bees in that statement. People who cannot manage or neglect their colonies should do the correct thing and give up beekeeping.

Mike

Perception of neglect is relative, you'd be amazed at the number of people trying to be helpful who have informed me of "abandoned" hives, quite often I know exactly who owns the hives and the lay persons perception of abandonment or neglect is merely observing a relaxed approach to extensive bee management by their owner. Regular checks aren't always made by commercials in this part of the world as it simply doesn't pay well enough, so some play the numbers game by putting on empty boxes in the spring and taking their chances that some will be filled by the time they get round to harvesting, feeding and treating. Not my cup of tea but it works for some (and I wouldn't dream of pinching other people's hives however "abandoned" they may appear, unless concrete proof was available that they were genuinely abandoned.)

 

[mbc]

I would right the hive, a said thing to do for the bees and the owner, If I seen a hive knocked over I would right it as a common courtesy.

Me too.

 

[peteinwilts]

Beekeepers can be sneaky people,. We come and go at odd hours, and am sure many of us like to tread lightly and be as indiscrete as possible.

It is not difficult to see if a hive has been left for 'years'.

As suggested by others, picking up the hive would be No.1. Whilst you are there, look in the hive through the mesh to see the colour and condition of the comb.
If it is jam packed with brace (solid!), it may not have been inspected for some time. If packed and black, then possibly years.

It is not impossible the original owner may be long term in hospital or in a condition that has not allowed him\her to inspect for a while.
There are many beekeepers that are quite elderly. Not all of us have a full collection of marbles, and know of at least two beekeepers that forgot where they had put all of their hives...

 

[mbc]

Beekeepers can be sneaky people,. We come and go at odd hours, and am sure many of us like to tread lightly and be as indiscrete as possible.

Indiscretion is the better part of valour ?

 

[rolande]

I agree with both mbc and peteinwilts with regard to apiaries not necessarily being abandoned just because they don't look all smart and shiny, I'll even give a nod to the let alone bee-helper who's happy to put bees in a box and then never bother them again. But, in this instance I reckon that the fact that the present owner has failed to contact his/her landlord for at least two years is reasonable grounds to assume abandonment.

 

[drstitson]

as per others - don't remove unless you know they are definitely abandoned

BUT

righting a hive is a courtesy most would wish to have done to their colonies - remember many won't be revisiting out hives for any active purpose until february.

 

[MikeT]

I understand from the land owner the beekeeper has not visited the hives for over a year. No honey has been taken off, most hives have swarmed and at least 1 has been knocked over by deer .

I have no intention of moving them until I have received full legal ownership.
I am fully aware of the legal implications if I move them without permission from the rightful owner.

 

[Pete D]

nuff said

 

[Dishmop]

Take the bees and leave the hives...

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Perception of neglect is relative,

I know of one (don't we Redwood) who, by established right, has some hives at the association apiary (hence one corner being christened Soweto) and some down MBC's neck of the woods I believe: who keeps his hives in an atrocious state - some of his kit was rescued from a bonfire which everyone else had built out of abandoned kit which was deemed totally k*ackered. My predecessor tried to move one of the hives last winter and was badly stung when his hands actually went through the hive walls!! and having inspected some of the hives last year I can assure everyone that the insides were in even more of a worse state, absolutely atrocious. But they're not abandoned

 

[MikeT]

I inspected the four hives this afternoon, only from the outside no bees seen.
Hefted the backs all very light, so do not expect them to overwinter. The hive joints were starting to break away and on one the frames were visible. One super with frames had been abandoned in front of one hive. I was able to lift the roof off 2 hives but could not see any activity through the crown boards. No QEs on and no signs of any inspections, the hives were surrounded by nettles.

Access to the hives is only by 4x4 over very soft ploughed fields some 3/4 mile from the nearest road.

I will look again in the spring, but I think I will leave well alone, as I think the farmer will be able to dispose of the hives himself as the bees will be dead by the spring.