Relocating a bait hive and swarm

[TryingToLetThemBee]

So now I'm well out of my depth, having caught my first swarm (http://beekeepingforum.co.uk/showpost.php?p=542646&postcount=17758) on top of a roof.

I do not have an out apiary.

How long till they fix to the new location? Can I move them 50 feet tonight? If they are my bees (I think not but cannot be 100% sure) can I put them next to the (possible) parent hive without incident?

They are in my Paynes-2 storey nuc. Can I just drop foundation frames in the top box for now?

 

[Poly Hive]

Not sure how long you have had them in what configuration, as you have not said, but they will be relocating as I type so you will need to treat them as if they are located.

Having said that I myself would move them tonight and stuff the entrance with grass so they have to struggle to get out in a couple of days as the grass wilts and will let them out.

PH

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

Thanks, PH. They have been there since in round numbers noon. Grass is a great plan.


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[Gilberdyke John]

Thanks, PH. They have been there since in round numbers noon. Grass is a great plan.


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They are most unlikely to have made any attempt at setting their satnavs in a few hours. I'd move them at dusk when they've gone to bed. If there are any sitting on the porch at that time a spray with cool water will make them think it's raining and they should go inside.

 

[BeeJayBee]

Can I move them 50 feet tonight? If they are my bees (I think not but cannot be 100% sure) can I put them next to the (possible) parent hive without incident?

They are in my Paynes-2 storey nuc. Can I just drop foundation frames in the top box for now?

Yes, you can move them tonight. Just turn the entrance disc to shut them in before you move them, and open it once they're in your apiary.

Now there are bees inside you may find the box is heavier and more awkward to lift/move than you expect, so can you get some help lifting it down from the roof?

Add frames tomorrow, but don't only add to the top box because they'll start plugging any gaps with wild comb.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

. They have been there since in round numbers noon.
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No problems then - move them to their new spot tonight

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

Thanks guys; heading up there shortly.


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[TryingToLetThemBee]

Massive fighting at the entrance now. Looks like another swarm fancies the digs; a real beeline down the valley.

So with any luck I can lower the hive tonight and put up a bait box before swarm 2 knows the difference. Roll on night!

 

[Cussword]

How did it go?

 

[TryingToLetThemBee]

How did it go?

Fine, thanks: lowered the 2-storey nuc off the roof and replaced with a BB. Bit of robbing interest because of the slumgum but no serious signs of scouting. The first swarm is going gangbusters in the nuc based on peeps through the roof and watching the entrance. Will look for brood and hope to hive next week.

Thanks for asking.