[Wyldbee]

I am in need of ideas or explanations.
I have had a second package of bees abscond.
I do not know what I am doing wrong, but it must be something. Please advise if you can.

I installed my new package in TBH on Sunday, late afternoon. Gave them 1:1 syrup sw with HBH and a pollen patty.
Left them alone until today.
Today I removed the queen cage, she had been released by the bees.
Gave them a piece of empty starter comb from my other hive to get started with.
Closed up the hive.
Just checked 4 hours later, They are gone!

These are a few pictures one of the hive and one of the cage. I know if I did not get this cage out it would have been trouble leading to messed up comb.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...TVm3ZM2YPbz4K/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/

http://im1.shutterfly.com/media/47a...TVm3ZM2YPbz4K/cC/f=0/ps=50/r=0/rx=550/ry=400/

Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated.

Thank You,

Disappointed in Virginia

 

[Beethinking]

Was the floor down like that when you installed them? I'd keep the hive almost entirely sealed up except for a small entrance until they are situated and building comb.

Best,
Matt

 

[Wyldbee]

Was the floor down like that when you installed them?

Yes the BB was down like that. I will have it closed next time. Thanks

 

[11x]

the bottem was open. that for shure was the problem. every tbh that i have seen abscound this spring, had the bottem fully open. close it up and ill bet thay stay. could be other things that made them leave but ill bet money it was the bottem. think of a package like a swarm. if the home you put them dosent suite them thay have no reason to stay since thier is no recources thier to protect. make it nice and dark with a small entrance to defend and chances are thay will stay. good luck

 

[Robee]

I'll agree with the others, close up the bottom. Plug one or 2 of the entrance holes for a few days.
Are you using 2 follower boards since you have side entrances? If you are, don't give them a home more than about 10 bars wide to start with.
Don't give up, this is a very rewarding hobby.
Robee

 

[Wyldbee]

Thanks.
I have the bottom board closed up now. I know, it is like closing the gate after the horse gets out! I will not give up though. It is good to know what I have been doing wrong, now I will not repeat the mistake. I have noticed a few bees still milling about. I wonder if maybe they might come back? It has been raining tonight though so I strongly doubt it. Just wishful thinking.

I appreciate the responses from everyone and enjoy this site very much. What a diverse and interesting group you are!

 

[milwaukee_natural_bees]

Sorry to hear about your second time troubles...However, you don't seem to be the only one having trouble with topbars. Checkout http://beekeeperlinda.blogspot.com . She regularly updates and if you read a couple of the older posts you'll find the full story of what she had to do to finally keep them where she wants them...

Best of luck.