Combining 2 hives in the same apiary

[RichardK]

I'd like to combine 2 of my colonies, however, I'm uncertain as to what happens after they've 'combined'....

Let's say hive A gets put on top of Hive B with newspaper between. Once they've munched through the paper will a significant proportion of those from Hive A simply return to their original location in the same apiary?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

No, by the time they have got through the newspaper and settled as one colony, they'll orientate to the new spot.
That's why it's important that the 'imported' colony goes on top of the unite

 

[blackcloud]

You will have already left a good number of flying bees when you dismantled the hive.
They will find alternative accommodation themselves.