Bee box in the super

[mandalynn]

I just put my first colony of bees in! However, I didn't get to put them in "textbook" wise. It was after 6pm when I put them in, and the temperature is suppose to go below freezing tonight. I did not spray them with sugar water and I think that is why I had a hard time getting them out of the box they come in. Therefore, I opted to just put the whole box into the super. My question is, should I keep the box in the super for a week or should I smoke them and try to take it out tomorrow and put the remaining frames in the super? I don't want to mess anything up. And the person I bought them from said I should check them tomorrow, although I have never read that. What should I do?

[PCM]

If I understand correctly;
You have a box of frames, with a empty super on top, into which you put the 3 # package cage ?

If this is correct, take a knife and cut the wire off one side of the cage, the bees can then eaisly get out and go to the frames were you have put the Queen box.

This is the simplest & eaisest way to introduce a package, I don't know why they still say to shake the bees from the cage !

Good Luck, & Don't Worry !

Remember Bee Keeping is just a expensive hobby !

PCM

[mandalynn]

The 3# box is in the bottom super with 4 frames. When should I take the box out of the super?

[BeeAware]

Take the box out and replace the frames as soon as the bees are out of the box and onto the frames. They should be out and near the queen's cage by tomorrow.

[beemused]

I just put my first colony of bees in! However, I didn't get to put them in "textbook" wise. It was after 6pm when I put them in, and the temperature is suppose to go below freezing tonight. I did not spray them with sugar water and I think that is why I had a hard time getting them out of the box they come in. Therefore, I opted to just put the whole box into the super. My question is, should I keep the box in the super for a week or should I smoke them and try to take it out tomorrow and put the remaining frames in the super? I don't want to mess anything up. And the person I bought them from said I should check them tomorrow, although I have never read that. What should I do?

I don't believe there is a "textbook method" since there are many ways to do any given thing. Follow suggestions from books and mentors but be prepared to do what works for you in an ever different set of circumstances.
I would not leave the package in the hive body past tomorrow AM.They will make a mess with comb rapidly in that situation. I have done the same thing when it got late and in the AM removed the package, replaced the frames and direct release the queen. If you have not already done that, she has been with them for some time already and will most likely be accepted. If bees remain in the package after removal just place it in front of the hive with the can opening side up or if you cut the screen place that up and they will march into the hive body. Put your feed on the inner cover and don't disturb for about a week except the minimal amount it takes to replace syrup.

Bruce

[mandalynn]

Thanks for the advice! I will take the 3# box out in the late morning. One more thing...the person I bought the bees from said to stick grass in the bees entrance so they could not get out and leave. I failed to ask when to remove the grass to let them get to work. So tommorow, I plan on removing the grass early in the morning, letting some bees go to work (there is no flowers, but I assume they'll collect pollen or water), then going in the hive. Should I remove the grass that soon? Should I smoke the hive right away when I go into the hive to get the 3# box?

[Ted n Ms]

Yes get grass out and the bees out of shipping cage and replace the frames asap. You will always have to use some smoke just don't over do it just a puff or two unless they get to frisky. They let you know. have fun. Ted n Ms

[mandalynn]

Thanks for the advice! I removed the grass. It was warm enough out, so I sprayed the remaining bees in the 3# box and shook most of them in. I left the 3# box by the hive entrance because I still couldn't get some of them out. I hope the remaining bees will find there way to the hive. The marshmallow was already eaten out of the queen box (put in last night). I saw some bees in there. I opted not to mess with it until next week.

[EastSideBuzz]

I did the cage in the box and they seemed to stay in and actually more went back in. I checked a few hours later then removed it and put it outside the box. Maybe if I left them a few days it might have been different.

Not sure what happens to the deposit when you cut the side of the cage to get them all out.

[dcross]

Did you put all the frames back in? If not, do it as soon as possible.