Installing Bees in a TBH

[TapStoneBees]

Hello there Beekeepers,

Wondering if anyone has suggestions on how to install bees into a TBH and where do you put the Sugar Syrup for the new gals.

Have a TBH that I built and I wanted to try it out, but wasn't too successful in finding info on the installation of bees technique.

Any information would as always be greatly appreciated.

Have a Great Day,
JT

[Michael Bush]

Shake them in.  Release the queen into the hive.  Put some baggie feeders on the bottom.

http://www.beesource.com/eob/baggie.htm

[rich]

Hi,

I am also starting a TBH in March. How should I position the queen cage? I am building the TBH that Michael Bush has on his website (Thanks a lot!).
Hang it from a top bar or just put it on the floor?
Also, these are all new hives, so will the bees be OK with just empty top bars and baggie feeders?

Thanks.

[Michael Bush]

>I am also starting a TBH in March. How should I position the queen cage?

Empty and in your pocket.  Dump in the bees let them start to cluster a bit.  Then direct release the queen into the hive (careful that she can only fly down).  Put the cage in your pocket.  If you put it in the hive you will risk them starting all their comb off of the cage and getting it messed up.

> I am building the TBH that Michael Bush has on his website (Thanks a lot!).

You're welcome.

>Hang it from a top bar or just put it on the floor?

Neither.  Let her go.

>Also, these are all new hives, so will the bees be OK with just empty top bars and baggie feeders?

It's more than they have in a hollow tree and they do fine.

[watercarving]

I'm starting my second year as a beek and did TBHs. I was full of questions and found that between the help I found online and just watching the bees I'd do ok. I had two hives. Lost 1 and the other is doing incredibly well. Stunk to lose one but I also learned a lot.

Sounds like you're going to be fine. You're getting good advice.