Swarming questions

[monachica]

Hello,
I am a new beekeeper (and new to this site). Last week one of my 2 hives swarmed, and somehow we were able to capture them into a box and transport them to a friend's house about 10 miles away who had an empty hive. My question is, when can I bring the bees back to my property? I was also wondering if it is ok to place the hive next to my other colonies (from where they swarmed).
Thanks!

[Scott J.]

I would leave them at your friends place for a week before bring them home. You can put them right next to your other hives with no problems. Make sure you strap the hive together during transport. Scott

[kbee]

Once they are established they should be fine. If you put the swarm on drawn comb frames they should be OK to move after a few days. If you put them on foundation I would wait a week. You can put them next to your old hives.