How close is to close for hives?

[radu43]

I have a hive stand that may fit 3 hits next to each other. Wondering if there is some best practice on how close you can put them next to each other.

[Kirk Osborne]

I'm not sure but I think they can be right next to each other wth no problems. Many, if not all, of the pollinator hives appear to be that way. My original thought was that space would be good... but in winter, at least up here, I wonder if there would be a heat conservation benefit of keeping them side by side...

I'm looking forward to the experienced beekeepers to weigh in on this one.

[signalten]

Most of mine are within 4 inches of each other. Works well for me. I have some off by themselves. I see no distinct difference in production. I like them closer, it gives me somewhere to set my tools

[Dave Burrup]

Commercial beekeepers have 4 or 6 hives / pallet and they are pressed together with entrances as far apart as possible.
Dave

[honeyman46408]

The only time you have to worry about how close they are is when installing new packages the will drift sometimes and you will have to change posations to equelize them other than that NO probolemo

[BeeTech]

If they are closer than touching, you have a problem.