Worldwide Beekeeping
Beekeeping => Beekeeping 101 => Topic started by: RLTS on March 31, 2015, 02:31:55 pm
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Moved my one and only hive last night from its temp place (on a stump) to the newly built hive stand about 15 ft away. I put a branch up in front of the entrance when the move was made. About 11:00 I went to check on the hive and found the branch had been blown over and away from the entrance sometimes in the night and a cloud of bees hoovering around the stump. My mistake was in not securing the branch well enough to stay and cause a reorientation flight. Will the other lost bees make their way to the new hive placement 15 ft away. I figure I just need to leave well enough alone and let them work it out for now as it is too late to correct my mistake. Am I correct in this plan? The bees were very angry with me, got stung 3 times trying to fill the top feeder, was without veil and got hit next to my eye and twice on the back of the head.
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I would leave them alone for a few days and let them find their way to the hive by themselves (or dispers).
If you are desperately impatient and have the equipment, you could place a nucleus hive with a built frame in the old place, let the stray bees collect on it and toward evening move the frame and bees into the hive in its new position.
Generally, moves like your's would be done in two or three stages of shorter moves over a period of a few days. Each day they would adjust to the new position with minimal confusion.
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I would leave them alone for a few days and let them find their way to the hive by themselves (or dispers).
If you are desperately impatient and have the equipment, you could place a nucleus hive with a built frame in the old place, let the stray bees collect on it and toward evening move the frame and bees into the hive in its new position.
Generally, moves like your's would be done in two or three stages of shorter moves over a period of a few days. Each day they would adjust to the new position with minimal confusion.
Good advice. :yes: :yes: :yes:
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They will find heir home. Just give them time.
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As I do not have any extra equipment I am going to just not mess with them. I have learned my lesson and will make a series of smaller moves in the future.
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The lost bees will eventually start flying circles. Each trip around the stump, the circle gets larger.
They will find their hive, you just have to give them some time.
When we move hives short distances, I place robbers screens on the entrance and close off the top.
I have also been know to place half a bush to block their exit path.
A limb doesn't seem work for me! :D
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;D "I have learned my lesson"
One of many.....If you keep Beekeeping
Good Luck
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everything is back to normal today