Happy days.

[terry jones]

After having lost one of my hives over the winter and the remaing hive not building (2013 queen but not laying) I have managed to attract a swarm.
The swarm is located in a nuc on the side of the house approx 50 yards from my hive.
Q. how long before i can unite with my present hive
I was assuming 2/3 days and block the entrance for 24hrs.

 

[enrico]

I would do it the other way round! I would house the swarm and ensure they are staying there, then kill the queen in the old hive and put that on top. Maybe a week between housing the swarm and uniting in case they abscond with all your bees!

 

[terry jones]

Thanks for the advice enrico. I got a little excited about having some more bees before thinking it through.

Terry

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I would do it the other way round! I would house the swarm and ensure they are staying there, then kill the queen in the old hive and put that on top. Maybe a week between housing the swarm and uniting in case they abscond with all your bees!

make sure your swarm is health ybefore doing anything - and confirm you have a laying queen in there

 

[For want of a better word]

Do not forget to feed the swarm 1:1.... sing to them sweetly every time you go near them and they will stay!!