I'm happy!

[praha]

I've just been offered four hives plus equipment for nowt. Well looked after, oldish hives, requeened last year,productive. The current owner is a friend of my in-laws and he has been beekeeping for 50 yrs, but his wife now needs round the clock care and he wants the bees to go to a good home.
My question is this - the hives (rose system, four boxes a piece) need transporting. They are currently 4 miles away as the crow flies. Can I simply strap em, stop em up, car em, leave a nuc box for stragglers, and resituate in my garden, or is there some wisdom gleaned from the ages that could help a fortunate newbie.

 

[Swarm]

That's precisely what you do. Sorry for your friend, happy for you. If you close them up when it's getting dark you shouldn't need the nuc.

 

[enrico]

Keep your veil handy in case some idiot runs into you!
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

And make sure they are well ventilated, I know it's only a short trip, but you don't want to risk them cooking - it doesn't take long at all to happen!

 

[BeeJuice]

I've just been offered four hives plus equipment for nowt. Well looked after, oldish hives, requeened last year,productive. The current owner is a friend of my in-laws and he has been beekeeping for 50 yrs, but his wife now needs round the clock care and he wants the bees to go to a good home.
My question is this - the hives (rose system, four boxes a piece) need transporting. They are currently 4 miles away as the crow flies. Can I simply strap em, stop em up, car em, leave a nuc box for stragglers, and resituate in my garden, or is there some wisdom gleaned from the ages that could help a fortunate newbie.

Hodne stesti

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Is that with chips or a salad?

 

[BeeJuice]

Is that with chips or a salad?

It's Czech. Probably as unfathomable to you as your signature is to me!

 

[bjosephd]

And make sure they are well ventilated, I know it's only a short trip, but you don't want to risk them cooking - it doesn't take long at all to happen!

I have to make a move in the next few days also...

I only have screened bottom... no screened top.

Is it worth running the car for a good while with the air-con on full blast before putting the box in to move in order to have a chilled 'nightime' environment for them? (turn it off once driving though probably)

It's about a 5 mile drive... 4 or so miles as the bee flies.

 

[B+.]

I have to make a move in the next few days also...

I only have screened bottom... no screened top.
.

If you have some old net curtain with a fine weave, this will do the job. Just make sure it is secure all the way around.

So long as they have adequate ventilation, you don't need screen on both top and bottom

 

[Dr J.Bell]

I have to make a move in the next few days also...

I only have screened bottom... no screened top.

Is it worth running the car for a good while with the air-con on full blast before putting the box in to move in order to have a chilled 'nightime' environment for them? (turn it off once driving though probably)

It's about a 5 mile drive... 4 or so miles as the bee flies.

I am not really supposed to give advice, however because of a recent experience i would say it is best not to have the car too cool. The advice given to you has been good, ventilation is key.

I wish you well with these, somehow Bees obtained in this way always seem somewhat 'special'.

 

[Tremyfro]

If I ever move bees again....I will use our little trailer.....last time we drove for miles...on a very hot day...with escaping bees crawling around. The bees were fab but my nerves were ragged by the time we arrived home.

 

[bjosephd]

I am not really supposed to give advice,

Why ever not?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I am not really supposed to give advice

A few on here should be in that category - doesn't stop them though

 

[BeeJayBee]

It's about a 5 mile drive... 4 or so miles as the bee flies.

Don't worry about anything other than making sure the hive is strapped up, the frames are running from front to back of the car, the brood box's entrance is securely closed and you've got your bee suit on - veil down.

You could stand the hive on some bearers in the car, so air can move up through the mesh floor, but 5 miles is no great distance to move bees, especially in the evening.