Improve Your Beekeeping: Moving a Split Hive
Moving a split hive is a crucial skill for any beekeeper aiming to expand their apiary or manage existing colonies effectively. While seemingly straightforward, improper techniques can lead to significant losses, including queen loss, worker bee disorientation, and ultimately, hive failure. This comprehensive guide will equip you with the knowledge and best practices to successfully relocate a split hive, ensuring the health and productivity of your bees.
Why Move a Split Hive?
Beekeepers often create splits to increase the number of their colonies. A split involves dividing a strong, healthy hive into two or more smaller units. This prevents overcrowding, reduces swarming tendencies (a natural but disruptive colony reproduction method), and allows for expansion of your apiary. However, sometimes the location of the new split isn't ideal. Maybe it's too close to the parent hive, causing worker bees to drift back, or the chosen location offers poor foraging opportunities. Moving the split is then necessary to ensure its success.
How Far Should You Move a Split Hive?
This is a critical question with a crucial answer: far enough. The distance needed depends on the bees' homing abilities. Worker bees can readily return to their original hive location if it's within a few hundred yards. Therefore, moving the split hive at least three miles is generally recommended to minimize drifting and prevent the bees from returning to the parent colony. Beyond three miles, the chance of the bees successfully returning to the original location significantly reduces.
What if I can't move it three miles?
If a three-mile move isn't feasible, employing other strategies to prevent drifting becomes essential. This includes techniques like:
- Closing the entrance: Keep the hive entrance closed for a few days after the move, allowing the bees to re-orient themselves to the new location. Once released, they will typically explore the new surroundings and adjust.
- Using entrance reducers: This helps to reduce the number of bees venturing out at once and minimizes the chance of them returning to the old location.
- Temporary relocation: Move the hive a short distance (less than a few yards) multiple times over a period of a few days, gradually moving further away until you reach the ultimate desired location. This approach helps the bees adapt gradually.
When is the Best Time to Move a Split Hive?
Timing is everything in beekeeping. The optimal time to move a split hive is during the cooler part of the day, ideally late afternoon or evening. This minimizes the number of foraging bees outside the hive and reduces the risk of disorientation. Avoid moving the hive during hot, sunny days, as high temperatures can negatively impact the bees' health and survival.
The Step-by-Step Process of Moving a Split Hive
- Prepare the new location: Ensure the new location is suitable for beekeeping. This includes considering sunlight exposure, wind protection, water sources, and proximity to foraging areas. Prepare the new hive stand and ensure everything is ready before moving the bees.
- Secure the hive: Close the hive entrance securely. Use tape or a strong strap to prevent the frames from shifting during transport.
- Transport the hive: Move the hive carefully, minimizing jarring or sudden movements. Secure the hive properly in your vehicle to prevent it from tipping or shifting during transit.
- Unloading and placement: Carefully place the hive on its new stand, ensuring it's level.
- Open the entrance: After a couple of days, carefully open the entrance. Monitor the bees' activity and ensure they are adapting to the new location.
Troubleshooting Common Issues:
Bees are still drifting back to the old location.
This suggests the move wasn't far enough. Consider implementing the strategies mentioned above for reducing drifting (closing the entrance, using entrance reducers, or a gradual multi-step relocation).
The queen is missing.
Accurately assess the health of your split before moving it. Carefully inspect for the presence of the queen and ensure the colony is viable before relocation.
Conclusion
Successfully moving a split hive requires careful planning, attention to detail, and a thoughtful approach to minimize stress on the bees. By following these guidelines and understanding the potential challenges, you'll significantly improve your chances of a smooth transition, ensuring the thriving continuation of your new colony. Remember, patience and observation are key to successful beekeeping.
