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Space between hives

5K views 30 replies 13 participants last post by  Michael Bush 
#1 ·
I'm adding a second hive this spring. The first hive is on a few cinder blocks and I like having it a little off the ground. I plan on placing the second hive near the first and would like to put both hives on planks running between cinder block risers, leaving space between the hives to place supers while I inspect, etc. I'm thinking of getting 6 1/2 foot planks so that I can comfortably place a hive near each end leaving a couple of feet in between. Any thoughts on this plan? Is the spacing adequate? Should I worry about drifting or robbing? I've read a little about marking hives with geometric designs or colors. It sounds intriguing but does it really matter?

As always...thanks!
 
#27 ·
How close?

I have my two hives on cross ties, but I am considering changing this.Bees don't here but they do feel vibrations. I have noticed that the last hive that I work is usually more defensive than the first one.I think all things considered it may be better to have each hive on its on stand,and about 3to4 feet from next hive.Any comments?
beewhisper
 
#29 ·
Leaving a good amount of space on all sides of the hives makes it easier to wrap with tarpaper. Also to sidle up and have a listen - several of my clusters moved to one side in the winter and I can hear them better from that side.

I have a stand like you describe - two 6' 4x4s on 4 cinderblocks stood up the tall way. It is a nice setup and i have 2 hives on it, one on each side. All of my other hives are on single stands made from PT 4x4 and 2x4 in a frame like a table but with no "top". These are nice and allow debris from SBB to fall to the ground.

If you have time, paint different colors. It certainly doesn't hurt any and might help. Also, big white boxes with bees (in summer) is scary/indimidating to lots of people. Big colorful hives are less scary. When your friends come to see the bees they can distinguish - "what's that on the purple one?"

Just my 2 cents.
 
#30 ·
Ravenseye, I do exactly what you're planning on doing. My hives are a little better than one hive's width apart so I have a place to set down the outer cover and boxes as I make my inspections (see http://www.ncneighbors.com/media.wsi?group_id=3520&collection_id=620&media_id=1). As for painting them different colors to avoid drifting, I think it's a good idea, but don't bother doing it because all my hives have a different color pattern as it is.
 
#31 ·
>Please straighten me out - I was under the impression that it didn't matter much whether it was 20 below or 20 above - that a healthy cluster with adequate resources would be just fine.

Heat loss is heat loss. Minimizing it helps a lot. Especially if they get stuck in one place with subzero temps and brood.

> My understanding that cluster survival problems are usually due to high humidity, disease stress or inadequate size. None of these have anything to do with ajoining or separated hives.

But a few degrees difference in temps can make the difference between being able to move to stores or not.

>I'd appreciate some more discussion on this as it affects how I may set up my new yard this summer.

It's irelevant in the summer. :)
 
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