Author Topic: Combining hives while switching out genetics (Read 6947 times)

Jen · « **on:** April 30, 2014, 02:52:03 pm »

Opinion needed

The three hives to the right are re-queened and within a week, the the royalty will be soooo glad to be out of their cage and laying like crazy.

The one meduim hive on the far left has bees in it from three swarms ago, not very many, maybe a double softball size.
The deep to the far right is our poor week mother hive. I was going to combine these two hives within the week, but now wondering if I should because I would be adding more swarmy bees to the mother hive, even tho it's re-queened. But then again, they will probably die out soon anyway.

Or, should I give them to my swarm catcher guy and let him deal with it?

Zweefer · « **Reply #1 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:29:13 pm »

It might just be me, but the photo isn't working?

Jen · « **Reply #2 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:33:08 pm »

Hi Zweefer

Let me try again, hang on

Jen · « **Reply #3 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:37:46 pm »

Okay, see if that works ~

Zweefer · « **Reply #4 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:41:50 pm »

must just be me... I still show blank... Sorry...
Anyone else want to chime in?

Jen · « **Reply #5 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:46:24 pm »

I'll wait to see if anyone else isn't getting the pic. Then I'll take another one if so...

robo · « **Reply #6 on:** April 30, 2014, 03:57:28 pm »

I can see the picture fine.

Not sure I understand your question though. If the swarm hive on the left is from the mother hive on the right, the bees have the same genetics at this point. I see no issue with combining.

Jen · « **Reply #7 on:** April 30, 2014, 04:14:12 pm »

Hi Robo, I think what I'm trying to get across is...

The new queen should be out of her cage by now.. and laying, I'm supposed to check on the 5th day which is tomorrow.

If she is laying new eggs, i.e.new genetics today, and I combine old genetics in as well... would I still be adding to my swarm problem at the same time as the queen is replacing the problem?

riverbee · « **Reply #8 on:** April 30, 2014, 04:22:20 pm »

jen, rob's right, and i see no issue with combining the two either. the old bees will be replaced by new bees and new genetics. in the meantime, your new queen should be enough to anchor everyone to stay put. i said should.....

she will be laying, her pheromone, and brood being raised to take care of ought to keep them from winding up in the air.

Jen · « **Reply #9 on:** April 30, 2014, 04:29:15 pm »

I Sure Hope So ~

riverbee · « **Reply #10 on:** April 30, 2014, 04:59:05 pm »

hey jen, we are all 'pulling for ya'......

to say the least, many new keeps would have given up and thrown up their hands and walked away and called someone and said come get these bees. you hung in there, and through all the myriad of chasing bees, replacing comb, suggestions, advice, and frustration. my veil is off to you!

like scott, and others, i have been scratching my head over this. we are not there standing beside you, so it's hard to say from a distance why your bees decided to swarm/afterswarm on you 10 times. i have some thoughts, i have been re-reading your posts, and will share them later.

you hang in there. once you see that queen is out of that cage on the 5th day, just let them alone for at least 10 days.

and we will be waiting to hear good things about the new queen!

Jen · « **Reply #11 on:** April 30, 2014, 05:14:24 pm »

A very humble Thank You Riv-

Seriously! I would have had to through up my hands if I hadn't had this forum. Almost always I could get an answer quickly if I need it. So much intelligence and knowledge here. I can't thank all of you enough ~ kisshug patpatpat ~ so far all is peaceful in the kingdom

Zweefer · « **Reply #12 on:** April 30, 2014, 07:04:51 pm »

I would like to second riverbee's praise and kudos!

also found out that the office I was in had postimg.cc on their blocked site list - thus the no photos...

Jen · « **Reply #13 on:** April 30, 2014, 07:13:46 pm »

Thanks Zweefer! I have a list a mile long on all that I have learned during this escapade

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #14 on:** April 30, 2014, 11:17:15 pm »

Hrm..

OK... I was going to advise waiting a week or ten days before combining. I don't like to shake things up when a new queen goes in.. I have heard bad things about queens being killed etc. I have never had it happen mind you, but have heard others stating that too much excitement, either due to a combine, a hive move or poking your nose in too often can sometimes get a (Edit to add "NEW" here) queen killed... However... I do trust the advice of those who have posted before me!

Jen · « **Reply #15 on:** April 30, 2014, 11:58:27 pm »

Scott, I still have to go thru the little hive that I want to combine. I'll do that first. I have no idea what's in there, I do know they're busy. I don't mind waitiing either. Thanks

riverbee · « **Reply #16 on:** May 01, 2014, 11:40:04 am »

"I was going to advise waiting a week or ten days before combining. I don't like to shake things up when a new queen goes in.. I have heard bad things about queens being killed etc. I have never had it happen mind you, but have heard others stating that too much excitement, either due to a combine, a hive move or poking your nose in too often can sometimes get a (Edit to add "NEW" here) queen killed... However... I do trust the advice of those who have posted before me!"

yes i would do that, (wait) i was answering jen's question relative to combining and genetics, that this would not be an issue.

Jen · « **Reply #17 on:** May 01, 2014, 12:06:00 pm »

Okay, I like that idea of waiting awhile. However, the small swarm hive that i want to combine was demonstrating swarm tactics yesterday... Imagine that!

LazyBkpr · « **Reply #18 on:** May 01, 2014, 02:06:40 pm »

LOL
You have the patients of a saint. I usually carry a lighter in my pocket.. It would be WAY too handy if I had those bees...

Jen · « **Reply #19 on:** May 01, 2014, 02:18:00 pm »

Sooo, you would hole the lighter up to the entrance of swarmy bees "Make My Day"

?