adding new hive, a few questions

[amandalyn]

I have one existing hive and want to add another.

How close to the established hive can I place the new one?
Is there a risk of robbing of the new hive by the older one?
How do you open the new hive for inspections/feeding without attracting the bees from the old hive?

Thanks!

[Michael Bush]

>How close to the established hive can I place the new one?

As close as you like. I would have them touching...

>Is there a risk of robbing of the new hive by the older one?

Even if they are 1/2 mile away there is always a risk...

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesrobbing.htm

>How do you open the new hive for inspections/feeding without attracting the bees from the old hive?

The old hive will be busy flying in their own entrance. In a dearth you would attract them even if you were a quarter mile away...