Moving a colony in winter

[Andy Coleman]

I'm planning to move a hive which has been in my back garden, onto a better apiary on a farm - I don't want any embarrassment with my neighbours if I get a swarm this year!

I had read the best time to move is the winter because they aren't flying much, and so won't get any problems with orientation (the farm is only a couple of miles away). But someone from Thorne's has just recommended not to move until early March, because moving is always stressful and might lead to an outbreak of dysentery which in winter could lead to loss of the colony.

I would be interested to hear anyone's views and experiences on this subject.

regards Andy

 

[oliver90owner]

Two miles, early March should be OK. 'Not flying much' is irrelevent in this case.

RAB

 

[margob99]

Due to circumstances beyond my control, I've had to move my hive twice this winter - once in November, and once again in late December. My girls are still there, and, barring all those mysterious bee bits in the bottom of the hive (see thread: http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=8716 ), they look ok. A few were even flying today.

I guess I can only be sure in spring, but my feeling - and that of my mentors was - better in the depths of winter than in spring.