Planning winter move

[Levitt53]

I need to move my hives about 20 meters from where they are now over the winter. Ironically to the place where an experienced beek told me to put them in the first place. My plan will be to wait until we get a good cold spell, seal them at night, move them in the morning, leave sealed for 24 hours, put foliage in front of the entrance when I do open them up again.

Is there anything else I should do?

 

[Erichalfbee]

Is there anything else I should do?

No need for any foliage if you keep an eye out on the weather forecast. A week of cold non flying weather and they will stay put.
I moved four hives about 50 feet in my first winter here. No closing up and no twigs.

 

[bingevader]

We did the same after our first year too!
You'll have no problem.
Best of luck.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

No need for any foliage if you keep an eye out on the weather forecast. A week of cold non flying weather and they will stay put.
I moved four hives about 50 feet in my first winter here. No closing up and no twigs.

 

[Levitt53]

Great thanks. We'll just go for it when we get a cold period.

 

[enrico]

But suit up just incase you drop one!

 

[Swarm]

Great thanks. We'll just go for it when we get a cold period.

That could easily be IF. Failing a cold spell, a week of deluge could help.

 

[Levitt53]

That could easily be IF. Failing a cold spell, a week of deluge could help.

I had thought of the IF but not about the alternative of rain which won't be an IF obviously. Good thought.

I probably would have thought about wearing the suit but thanks for the reminder.

 

[Poly Hive]

Well I am going to disagree regarding the entrance obstacle.

Personally I would do what is suggested but I would put an obstruction in place for a week as an insurance. It won't hurt and will just add that extra level of care.

PH

 

[Swarm]

Some obstacle in front certainly wouldn't hurt, especially with our fickle weather.
I have a similar situation with a colony in the meadow next to my apiary site, it's behind a tall hedge and about 30 yards from where it needs to be.

 

[Levitt53]

Some obstacle in front certainly wouldn't hurt, especially with our fickle weather.
I have a similar situation with a colony in the meadow next to my apiary site, it's behind a tall hedge and about 30 yards from where it needs to be.

Ok I'll do that to be sure. Thanks

 

[beeno]

Hi Levitt, Some say only to move hives when the bees are flying and shut them in for three days after the move. The reason given is that if you disturb the cluster you chill the bees or they may not be able to rejoin the cluster if they fall off and you may lose the colony.

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

Does this advice also work for a move of about a mile? Moving house in October that distance...

Sent from my F8331 using Tapatalk

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Hi Levitt, Some say only to move hives when the bees are flying and shut them in for three days after the move. The reason given is that if you disturb the cluster you chill the bees or they may not be able to rejoin the cluster if they fall off and you may lose the colony.

Moving them carefully 20 odd yards is highly unlikely to have a catastrophic effect on the cluster.
It's all about applying a little common sense.
Done it loads of time, sometimes in extremely cold conditions and have never had any problems.
The best way would be to have two people, one each side of the hive, lift and walk carefully to the new location.