Might have my first bees 😬

[Wingy]

Got a couple of old langstroth hives (in need of repair) a few months ago off a mate, he was going to sort me with my first colony but lost more than 1/2 of his hives over winter. I Renovated one of the hives and put it on my allotment a couple off weeks ago, just positioned roughly where I want it as I've only just taken over the overgrown plot. The hive consists of a new stand & landing board which I made mesh and floor, brood box with old frames and drawn comb, crown board & roof. On Sunday I was working up there and saw the odd one or two bees checking the hive out. The frames don't contain any stores so nothing for robbing I don't think. Went up today Tuesday evening and the entrance is going like a Chippy. Bees coming and going at a fair rate. Didn't see any loaded with pollen though.
Do you think this is a swarm that's moved in? Think I'll give it a week and if still busy I'll open it up and look at what's going on. Any advise welcome.
Wingy

 

[alldigging]

Might well be a swarm moved in!

 

[Anduril]

Got a couple of old langstroth hives (in need of repair) a few months ago off a mate, he was going to sort me with my first colony but lost more than 1/2 of his hives over winter. I Renovated one of the hives and put it on my allotment a couple off weeks ago, just positioned roughly where I want it as I've only just taken over the overgrown plot. The hive consists of a new stand & landing board which I made mesh and floor, brood box with old frames and drawn comb, crown board & roof. On Sunday I was working up there and saw the odd one or two bees checking the hive out. The frames don't contain any stores so nothing for robbing I don't think. Went up today Tuesday evening and the entrance is going like a Chippy. Bees coming and going at a fair rate. Didn't see any loaded with pollen though.
Do you think this is a swarm that's moved in? Think I'll give it a week and if still busy I'll open it up and look at what's going on. Any advise welcome.
Wingy

Have a look tonight before sundown, if there are thousands of bees inside, you have a swarm.

 

[B+.]

Do you think this is a swarm that's moved in? Think I'll give it a week and if still busy I'll open it up and look at what's going on. Any advise welcome.
Wingy

Sounds like it. Wait until evening and take a quick peak.
Is there waxed frames in the hive? In a week, they can draw quite a lot of comb so, if there is nothing in there, you may have to scrape it all out. It would be better if you could give them frames with foundation so they draw the comb correctly.
After that, you are right, leave them alone for a week or two. Then it would be good to find/mark the queen. After that, just let them build up. They know what to do. ;-)

 

[Wingy]

Couldn't really have a look in tonight, didn't have my suit or smoker to hand and too many bees to chance having a peek (shorts & T shirt) I don't know their temperament yet, although crouched about 2 feet in front and just to one side they continued as if I wasn't there.
There are frames in the bb with drawn comb so after a bit of a clean up they should be well on their way.
Wingy

 

[MadAnt]

First few days they will clean up their new home. If you look carefully, they bringing pollen, but not as much as when they grow brood.

It might take up to 10 days to see first brood/eggs.