New Apiaries - How Many Hives?

[gwt_uk]

Hello all,

I have 2 new Apiary sites this year. I was intending on placing 2 new hives at each location. However the local association may only be able to provide me with 2 Nucs.

I am keen to utilise both sites to see which one works out best. Should I put one at each site or would it be more sensible to put them in pairs? I have said to the local association that I will take a swarm or two if one becomes available so that may solve the issue.

 

[pargyle]

Depends on the forage available - pick the one with most forage and go with that one - the more forage - the more build up.

 

[gwt_uk]

Depends on the forage available - pick the one with most forage and go with that one - the more forage - the more build up.

thanks one of the sites has 12 acres of wildflowers next door so might be best to start there.

 

[Brown Beek]

Depends on the forage available - pick the one with most forage and go with that one - the more forage - the more build up.

Also having both colonies on the same site will make solving problems a lot easier, especially if you need to provide additional ‘ hive resources ‘ (e.g. a test frame or frames of brood/ food) to manage or strengthen a colony. I would always keep colonies in pairs at least if I can help it.

 

[Newbeeneil]

thanks one of the sites has 12 acres of wildflowers next door so might be best to start there.

I agree 2 on that site would be best but why not put a bait hive on each and see if you can pick up another colony in the next few weeks!

 

[Ian123]

You can generally put a lot more than 2 hives on a site and it makes no sense to spread them out so thin, you’re just making travel/work/time. As long as you can secure the other site for the future stick with the 1. Ian

 

[ericbeaumont]

I am keen to utilise both sites to see which one works out best.

Unless it's a an urban contract or community job where they want to fund only two or three colonies, I keep a minimum of 10 at each apiary for the reasons Ian gave.

As you're looking to increase numbers you have the option to split your current three and move the increase to the new site or sites; honey will come next year.

 

[Worker bee]

I'd put them at the most secure site unless you have a 4g camera