New Package installed today.

[devdog108]

Hey All, I installed a new 4# package of of MH bees today about 5 ft from a swarm that I have thats queenless. During the "hiving process" I noticed some of the bees went straight for the other hive. I went over and took the top cover off and noticed there was a brawl going on inside the hive. Not a huge one, probably about 10 bees were rolling all over. Then the swarm too off and came over to the other hive. a few more brawls set off, then i soaked everyone with sugar water(spritzed them rather) and now everyone id good. The swarm was a very docile swarm, and this package didn't seem to be too overly upset...any reason they would go for the other hive? The queen was in her cage still and is currently hung between the frames.

mh- the queen is a Minessota Hybrid....

Just went up and looked......The new bees are MUCH more striped and colorful than the swarm. The war seems to have stopped and now they are intermingling just fine. Most of the other hive has made its way to the new package hive. I am assuming this is a good sign. As i was watching, i noticed a dead bee on the landing. about 30 seconds later, i saw a bee on the ground with this dead bee attached to it. Is this them cleaning the house? The ants below look like alligators below a feeding pit.....I watched a coulple more hit the ground close to the entrance and they had dead bees on them as well. They are the same color and striping, so they are not bees from the swarm hive.

[KQ6AR]

If you have screened bottoms for ventilation you might want to put an entrance reducer in the new hive.
It doesn't sound like you have a problem, but why take a chance.

Are you feeding both hives? I don't think I'd feed the new package without feeding the other hive also.

[devdog108]

Yes, both hives are getting 1 to 1. I was hoping the swarm would have drawn more comb, but they didnt for the time they were in the hive by themselves. They are dying unfortunatley and an exerienced beek came by and said they would not make it on their own, as they were too old. No screened bottom boards. just solid pine. SHould I add a Entrance reducer still?

[fatscher]

Why don't you add a frame of brood (assuming you have a third hive) to your weak swarm?

[devdog108]

See what assuming will get you....JUST KIDDING. I have 2 now including the pacjkage i got today. To make a long story short, this swarm was actually 2 combined into 1 with a queen. Someone suggested that it was VERY possible they swarmed again and thats how she disappeared. There wasn't enough comb to lay any eggs. I had 2 hives(both swarms) combined them down to 1, they pulled some comb then stopped. Couldn't find the queen( i was being patient) and by that time, they were too old and would have enough time to raise brood. COnfused yet...lol......I will check on them in a couple of days and do a combine, but they have found a water source already, and I am feeding both. I did pull out what little comb was started on the swarm hive and give it to the package hove in hopes they will draw on what was already started and run with it.

[KQ6AR]

People around my area told me not to but in the reducer without the screened bottom, because of heat. I assume its pretty hot in GA, But people in you're area might do it differently.