Collecting Swarms from old hives

[AndyJThompson]

Hi everyone, my first post so be kind! I am going to collect 2 swarms that have taken residence in 2 very old hives I have 2 spare brood boxes, floors, crown boards and roofs but only 10 drawn brood frames. New frames ordered last week, spoke to company today and they think they will be with me next Tuesday. The question is if I collect on Saturday and have only 5 frames in each hive will it cause a problem will they construct much brace comb in thy time. Any constructive comments greatfull.

Andy

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[Erichalfbee]

I can only say from my own experience with my own swarms. They build as if the world is about to end. One, this year, has drawn five 14 x 12 frames filling four with brood and one with stores in one week. Having moved them to a full size box they have drawn four of the five in four days and I have put a super on.
You would have to dummy each lot of five but that might not be enough room.
Have you no fellow beekeeper who can help you out?
How far are you from Wragby? Can you drive over to collect what you need?

 

[oliver90owner]

Make up with super frames (with foundation preferably). KISS principle. Put them at the outside, or place them furthest away from the wax building, of course.

Are there no frames in these old hives to transfer?

Some of my hives are over ten years old. Age is never a measure of condition. I would not be surprised if there are lots of hives in use that are even older than me!

RAB

 

[drstitson]

do the old hives have frames in them?

5 frames each should be ok - if cutting out comb with brood from old hives you could always just tie it to some suitable wooden strips to act as temporary top bars.

otherwise just use dummy boards.

 

[AndyJThompson]

I believe the old frames which are in bad condition are commercial frames they have created brace comb under the roof.

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[Monsieur Abeille]

Hi everyone, my first post so be kind! I am going to collect 2 swarms that have taken residence in 2 very old hives I have 2 spare brood boxes, floors, crown boards and roofs but only 10 drawn brood frames. New frames ordered last week, spoke to company today and they think they will be with me next Tuesday. The question is if I collect on Saturday and have only 5 frames in each hive will it cause a problem will they construct much brace comb in thy time. Any constructive comments greatfull.

Andy

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On the assumption that you dont need drawn frames (and you dont for swarms), I should have some spare if you happen to be passing near my way. PM me if you want.

 

[Pete D]

I had 20 national brood frames and wax delivered today, I am 5 miles from you give me a shout if you want them and let me have some back next week.
You have my number on earlier PM

 

[drstitson]

good calls Mons ab and pete D - i was going to offer as nearby(ish) tonight but pete d trumps me and i would rather use the gear myself first thing if at all possible.

 

[oliver90owner]

Rand would likely still be the best option, unless passing. Only the one trip needed!

RAB

 

[AndyJThompson]

Thanks everyone for making me feel welcome and the offers will see what turns up in post tomorrow. I think Pete is closest so will pm if I need help.

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[AndyJThompson]

Here is another pick of the hive.

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[Pete D]

Just ring if you need them. I have 20 with foundation just delivered so just need making up. Also have another 50 frames (2nds) but no wax, again just need assembling
All DN4's

 

[oliver90owner]

OOPs, sorry. Missed Pete. Was thinking you were closer to Boston (Sutterton, not Sutton Bridge).

Regards, RAB

 

[Pete D]

just for interest (if you are) I ordered these 20 brood and 50 super frames + foundation on Tuesday and got them this morning, less than 48 hrs. Oh they came from North Wales.

 

[AndyJThompson]

My sourced from Norwich where they a good price?

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[Andre cardona]

can you not put old frames in new hive untill you have new ones

 

[Pete D]

Not a bad price.......
20 brood frames came out at £20.42 inc vat, 20 foundation £12.60 so £33 for 20 complete = £1.65 each.
Supers £31.15 for 50 frames and £20.80 for the foundation, so £52 for 50 complete = £1.04 each.
£8.90 postage though so add 13p per frame.

how does that compare with what you paid, oh and I got them in under 48 hrs

Pete

 

[drstitson]

agree - just transfer frames over (or put a new brood box and frames on top of the old ones and then add QE once HM upstairs.).

 

[nonstandard]

What I will say is proceed with caution.

It's only hearsay but it seems that the local EFB outbreak/scare has come from a colony rescued from an an abandoned hive. Monitor the bees closely after transferring and inform your local inspector about the abandoned equipment.

 

[Andre cardona]

20 brood frames and 20 foundation came out at £21.00
throw the asoseyations