New Package Spacing

[EvaST-B]

We are brand new to this and will be setting up 2 new hives with packages. How close can we put the hives to each other when we install the packages?
We will also be getting a nuc from a local beekeeper (not on the same day as the packages)- can we put it in the same area? How close/far from each other??
Many Thanks -

[shughes]

i set my hives 2-3 feet from each other, in groups of 2-3 hives with about 6-8 feet separating each group. you can actually have them touching each other but you will have more drifting of bees going into the other hives.

I find it helps to set the hives near landmarks (trees, stones, etc) which helps out with orientation. If your hives are in an open area then I think spacing them farther apart is a good idea.

you'll probably get a wide variety of answers but I find making sure I have room to work around the hives and not grouping more then 3 hives together is a good compromise. You can see examples in my web site gallery.

[Jeffzhear]

I leave enough room to get a lawn mower between them, when set in a field or grassy location.

On my slate patio, I have them a few feet apart...and on that same patio, I have a bunch if NUC's side by side touching one another. That was for conservation of heat this past winter.

[hfrysinger]

With just 2 hives, you can put them close without a problem. Mine are probably 6 to 12 inches apart. The bees can tell their left from their right better than I can.