Moving Bees in Winter

[idg]

I would like to shuffle a few hives about within my Apiary. The maximum distance would be about 12 feet, but I want to try and get them in line with space either side to make splits easier later in the season.
Is the winter a good time to do this? The weather is forecast colder over the weekend and I doubt there will be any flying

Should I try and stick to the 3 feet rule and do it slowly?

 

[Davelin]

At this time of year you can move them pretty much any distance without any problems.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Just plan to do it in the middle of an extended cold snap if they're stuck indoor for an extended period they will re-orientate on flying regardless of whether they've moved or not - no harm in putting some twiggy stuff across the entrances to encourage them to do this as well.

 

[REDWOOD]

If the temperature drops so the bees cluster for a few days then go for it. If the bees are flying then 3 feet rule applies. Get help moving them not to disturb the cluster. You might want to put a board or a few branches outside the hive entrance.

 

[REDWOOD]

Snap

 

[domino]

I used the method where you lock them in the hive for a few days them move them and put the branch in front. Works a treat.

 

[itma]

... I want to try and get them in line ...

A "non-military" arrangement minimises drifting, ie its best if they aren't all equally spaced, pointing in the same direction and perfectly 'neat'.

If you really do want to line them up, think of other means of helping the bees to distinguish one hive from another. Coloured (but remember that red is black in bee vision) patterns can help (though full decorative artwork might be going a bit far - unless you follow Heidi). Even simple patches of different colours on each landing board should help.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

If you really do want to line them up, think of other means of helping the bees to distinguish one hive from another. .

All my hives have numbers on from one to twenty (ish)

 

[madasafish]

All my hives have numbers on from one to twenty (ish)

My bees read letters as well as numbers : TBH 1-8, Langs L1-L4

At least they appear to get home ok....

 

[Erichalfbee]

Nothing to do till Spring then have a look. Somebody will be uniting then so you might be lucky with a spare queen just to tide you over.
What makes you think you lost her, by the way?

 

[peteinwilts]

I think the post drifted from another nearby thread...

 

[wessexmario]

..probably because all the posts are lined up military style