Moving Hives

[idg]

Hi All,
I have been having some work done on a new apiary location. It is about 15 metres from my existing location. I have to move my 9 hives to new place. I haven't been able to do this over the winter as the work was not complete. Question is, when and how is the best time to move from now.
One at a time?
3 feet at a time?
All together but close up, move 15 yards and obstruct entrances etc?
Cold day?

Any advice?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

You'll need a series of cold days really to be happy with that method and I doubt you'll get them now (although I may be wrong) - what is the move like - is it just a shift over an open area - will the hives be moved sideways, backwards, forwards? you could move most in one go and hope the magic twigs will do the trick and any returners will beg their way into the remaining hives.

Three feet at a time is safest, but whether all at once or individually depends on the direction they will be moving.

 

[alldigging]

We strapped our hives up, and then strapped a short ladder to the top so moving them was easier. (Especially as I only helped move one of mine)

 

[idg]

Most will be moving forward although 2 will be moving backwards and 1 sideways. Trouble with 3 feet together is 1 hive may move into original position of another. It's not going to be easy which is why I was thinking about shutting them all in, moving them, leaving them in for 24/48 hours, twigging the entrance and then releasing.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Most will be moving forward although 2 will be moving backwards and 1 sideways. Trouble with 3 feet together is 1 hive may move into original position of another. It's not going to be easy which is why I was thinking about shutting them all in, moving them, leaving them in for 24/48 hours, twigging the entrance and then releasing.

That's why I asked - I guessed by moving all together that a few might end up in the last position of another.

I think your plan seems sound - the right kind of weather really for leaving them cooped up, it won't upset them too much. I would leave them in for 48 hours then deploy the magic twigs or some boards leant across the entrances as an aid to remind them to re-orientate

 

[idg]

Saturday and Sunday are forecast overcast and highs of 6 degrees. Do you think that would be suitable?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Saturday and Sunday are forecast overcast and highs of 6 degrees. Do you think that would be suitable?

If you can move them earlier - all the better - keep them shut in for now and leave them out Sunday.

 

[deanrpwaacs]

I also have to move 3 hives 30 miles . Will it be ok now they are building up ?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I also have to move 3 hives 30 miles . Will it be ok now they are building up ?

no problem I'd have thought

 

[Poly Hive]

No bother provided they are, shut in with foam rubber, have ventilation and are securely strapped.

Think car crash please?

PH

 

[Fatbee]

Moved a colony last weekend (not something I do regularly so a bit nervy). Double strapped it and entrance and joins between crown board and floor taped up. Plus drove in my bee suit! (No veil of course).

No probs, opened up entrance at new site and not one came out to say hello - was very foggy - but by 11am all out reorientating.

 

[idg]

Well my move has been made. I closed the hives up on Friday morning. On Saturday afternoon, I strapped each hive, and using a lifting board with two rope handles was able to carry each hive to new location (one person each side).
I placed twigs up the entrances, and at about 5pm removed the foam from the entrances.
I went back on Sunday (quite sunny) to find lots of bees flying around the new location and very few at the old location. By 4pm there were no bees by old location so I am hoping my move has been successful! Looking forward to the season.
Thanks all for the advice.

 

[Obee1]

Well done. Glad it went well. I have just finished preparing a new apiary site half a mile away from my current one. Plan to move mine next weekend - have placed an order for magic twigs!

 

[Tremyfro]

Well done. Glad it went well. I have just finished preparing a new apiary site half a mile away from my current one. Plan to move mine next weekend - have placed an order for magic twigs!

Will you be allowed to use your Beemobile?
How many do you have to move this time....you will be an expert soon.
Hopefully, you won't have to move them again for a long time.