So I moved a hive 5 30 this morning

[Barry n Abbie]

Moved about 3 km (2 and a bit miles)  from one residential yard to another and set a big box in the front of the hive in the new area to simulate a downed tree.(I know it's a reach😁).

Some of the bees are returning g to the original location ( 2 doz maybe) and the returning bees seem to be hanging out in front of a old nuc box. 

The question     Do I let them into the nuc box then bring them to the new location tonight or close off the nuc box and let them figure out the hive is gone.  (There are two other mature hives in the old location?

Thoughts?  I am leaning towards option 2

[Perry]

I would use the nuc box as a "collecter", and then spray the bees with 1 to 1 and lemongrass oil and dump them in the moved hive in the morning.
Just my opinion.

[Garden Hive]

I would not worry about a couple doz bees or even a bit more. They will find a new home or parish as they would shortly anyhow(lifespan of forager).
Tim

[Jen]

My first instinct would be that the returned bees will 'beg their way into the other hives' at the original location. That's a term that Apis uses. Then,  if the bees return to the original location with full belly's it like they have come to the door 'with a good bottle of something to offer'. That's a term that Perry uses. 

[Barry n Abbie]

Thanks all for he replies.  I will exercise the Perry suggestion tonight and let nature take its course tomorrow.  Let's hope they come with a nice red summer wine.

Barry

[LazyBkpr]

Yep... no wrong answer there, its what YOU wish to do..

  I would let them beg their way into another hive, but if you have the time and ability to move them then it will be less of a loss of foragers.