Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[ladysif]

Something - assuming a skunk tore the bottom screen from my hive. To repair it I need to move the bees - I have an empty hive to move them into but was hoping to relocate the hive at the same time - but have read that I should only move the hive a meter at a time.
Can I just put the new hive near the old hive and move the top bars during the night?

[Che Guebuddha]

I would never go into a hive at night. Too aggressive they might be.
I would have a solid bottom hive.
I would move them on a sunny day when most foragers are flying. First move the original hive 1 meter away and immediately place the new hive in the exact spot. Then move the top bars in the same order from back to front. All the foragers will return to the original location.

[Che Guebuddha]

Just to add ; try and locate the queen and move that comb very gently so not to loose her in the move. Keep her in sight while moving from one hive to the other. You will also need to shake out the bees which are walking on the floor into the new hive. I use a scoop in form of a paper and move them that way.

[ladysif]

Thanks!

[rmcpb]

Che hit the nail right on the head. Good advice.

Cheers
Rob.

[Barbara]

As regards moving them to a new location, I would carry out the transfer to the new hive first and let them settle for a week or so and then move the new hive to the new location on an evening when all the bees are at home. It can be done in a single move. Cork the entrance to transport them and then remove the cork and replace with a loose twist of grass, so that the bees can chew through it to get out and put a branch across the front of the hive. Check the following afternoon to make sure they have managed to escape and help if necessary. This alerts the bees to a change of location and triggers them to reorientate.

Good luck with it

Barbara

[recon]

or take a plank of wood (with screws already in place) and a battery drill to the hive and simply cover the bottom with that.
obviously wear full protection…
no need to move them.
sounds like a solid bottom would be better for you anyway if something tore the mesh off…

DD