New to beekeeping. A swarm just moved in!

[Sonnyboy89]

Is your neighbour OK with the bees remaining on his shed?

I considered putting a hive on the flat roof of my brick built shed but decided that the risks of stepping back one step too far during an inspection outweighed the advantages of keeping the bees up away from everyone's gardens.

Yes he is more than happy to let me get on with it. Seems intrigued by them! I have been up next to it on a sturdy step ladder and it all feels pretty comfortable, also he has mentioned putting a proper platform there! I do intend to move them in the winter.

 

[Millet]

It wants moving of the shed roof pretty soon before they are orientated to that spot, the reason being it will be a nightmare doing inspections and adding/removing supers while it is stuck up there.

 

[Sonnyboy89]

It wants moving of the shed roof pretty soon before they are orientated to that spot, the reason being it will be a nightmare doing inspections and adding/removing supers while it is stuck up there.

Okay thank you for advice. Will they remain or abscond if I move them? Obviously they have decided that is there home now.

 

[Millet]

Okay thank you for advice. Will they remain or abscond if I move them? Obviously they have decided that is there home now.

Just put it on a stand close to the shed i did very similar last year, i did not stick it directly onto the hive stand on the floor, i do not know if it made much difference but i moved it in stages over 2 days gradually lowering the height three times in that period till i got the hive to a stand of workable height.

 

[Sonnyboy89]

Just put it on a stand close to the shed i did very similar last year, i did not stick it directly onto the hive stand on the floor, i do not know if it made much difference but i moved it in stages over 2 days gradually lowering the height three times in that period till i got the hive to a stand of workable height.

Yes this option has crossed my mind. I will see if there are any platforms available to use to reduce their height. Cheers!

 

[Sonnyboy89]

First hive inspection

So I managed to finally open the hive earlier! I wouldve done it sooner, But my new protectives had been delayed somewhat! The swarm have been in there 6 Days now! They hadnt drawn any of the frames I had in there. there were 3. but they had built a fair amount from the ceiling of the hive. I had to take it off and then shook the bees back into the hive. I did manage to attach some whole pieces of the comb they built to a couple of frames. I have added all frames now. I couldnt locate a queen though? there was a fair amount of pollen and nectar in the combs they had built! any advice much appreciated! I have been trying to up a pic, but it wont let me!

Cheers

Sonny