Offered an neglected hive - owner wants it gone ASAP. Safe to move ?

If the boxes will hold together after 9 years, you would be safe to move them. I like moving my hives when it is 40 degrees or lower. Some of my bees will come out of the box at 46, but you could always move them in the morning or evening, if they are active outside.

But the bigger risk is if the boxes will stand the move.

I would go for it. Just close it up in the evening (or early morning before). If it is in poor condition you may want to take something to act as a top and bottom, duct tape works well to patch holes and a cargo strap to hold it together. Good luck

If it's not to far out of GR, and it looks too creaky to move, give me a shout. Got the cordless stuff to build a frame to move it. I could use some bee entertainment. Cmon spring!

I would jump at rwlaw's offer to help but if you decide to go it alone I would use a cordless drill to screw wood bracing on the sides of the boxes top to bottom to hold everything together. take some window screen to staple over the entrance just to be on the safe side. :thumbsup:

How many boxes? Is it on any kind of stand or perhaps cinder blocks? Chances are that if it's more than one box they're propolized together and you're going to have to move it as a single unit. The frame/screwing together is a good way to keep it that way if the boxes have rotted.

We want video, btw.

Unless it's setting on something it's probably still in the snow. My hives are on blocks and 2x6 frames and the friggin snow is just getting level with the bottom boards.
I've been doing the anti arctic vortec dance every day, I think it's working!

I would seal the up with screen wire after dark and drive around about 45 minutes if you are moving close to where they are now. If you are moving them a couple of miles no need to drive them around. Might be a to check if they have any stored honey. If they don't give them some sugar syrup until they get to their new location Good luck

Have moved some with completely rotted bottom boards. Throw a bedsheet over the whole works and tuck the bottom edges under. Transport.
Walt

47 on Friday in our area Ambassador. I can also free up some time on Fri. to help or just video the process. Let me know by 5pm today.

Merl said:

I would seal the up with screen wire after dark and drive around about 45 minutes if you are moving close to where they are now.

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What does driving them around for 45 minutes do?

Thanks for all the help and advice guys. I think I'll have an extra set of hands but if I need some help I'll be sure to let you know.For some reason I hadn't thought about the boxes being rotten. I'll definitely be bringing a sheet and some spare wood/straps to brace as needed.

Just noticed the same thing about the higher temps coming tomorrow Beeman. Perhaps tomorrow would be better for "bee safety." Is there a minimum temperature at which it is safe to move them? I've read suggestions before that if you move them in too cold a temperature and they break cluster you can lose the hive.

Please don't forget a before and after photo to post here.

The bees'll be generating heat inside the hive by disturbing them, the big thing is getting them settled down & back into their cluster with out too many losses.
If they're super light, give me a shout I've got a extra feeder ring and sugar block to get them thru till you can put syrup on.

When you transport a Hive, always have the frames lengthways with the Vehicle that you are going to be using to make the move with. It helps to keep from damaging the frames in case of a quick stop or sudden acceleration. We will be waiting for a video of the move.

I would want to make sure they are alive before I go to a lot of work.

Don

D Semple said:

I would want to make sure they are alive before I go to a lot of work.

Don

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I agree. It is a bit of a drive so I only want to make it once. I'll end up gearing up planning on them being alive but worst case scenario I'll take all the boxes anyways. At the very least I'll end up with some honey and some old supers I can turn into swarm traps.

Weather is looking to be between 40-45 by the time I can get to the hive tomorrow. I know the owner wants them out of there as soon as I can. Is it worth trying to get him to wait until warmer weather or should I be okay at those temps?

You should be fine.

Hey Merl, I think whoever told you to drive them around was pulling you're leg.

Merl said:

I would seal the up with screen wire after dark and drive around about 45 minutes if you are moving close to where they are now. If you are moving them a couple of miles no need to drive them around. Might be a to check if they have any stored honey. If they don't give them some sugar syrup until they get to their new location Good luck

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I would definitely take them....do whatever it takes to make it stable and bring them Home! :thumbsup: