Ergonomic theory on defensive bees

[JonnyPicklechin]

Could similar looking, similar coloured hives, lined up facing the same way with only 2 feet between outside edges of entrances cause drifting and put bees on edge?

I still have the default bad genes of the eggs at the forefront of mind as the main reasoning. But I wondered if long term, experienced beeks here have seen a direct correlation to bad tempers (pinging and following) with nice neat rows of similar looking hives ie no key colour differentiation? If so, was this proved by change of orientation?

 

[Murox]

It probably does not help with drifting. I was always taught that hives should be as far away from each other as possible, not in straight lines and should all face in a slightly different orientation and be individually distinctive. I have seen but not experienced hives grouped in 4's with a space in the middle to work in, all entrances facing out of course.

 

[Beefriendly]

Unlikely.
I have about a dozen hives in garden all close together and (due to being in garden) all the entrances face the same way....they are all ***** cats....bar one that was moved a month back....and that is now back to purring.
As for drifting...well thye are all my bees don't mind which hive they are in ....Have to say even with this arrangement I do not see any noticeable drifting.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Could similar looking, similar coloured hives, lined up facing the same way with only 2 feet between outside edges of entrances cause drifting and put bees on edge?

No, not had any problems with bees being on edge, all perfectly happy in straight lines, sometimes straight line up to 40 hives, no real drifting problem if all placed at the same time, add a few extra onto the end of a row after the first ones have been in situ for a few days... then major drifting usually happens, the new arrivals suddenly become mega strong colonies.