Transfer small colony to hive?

[bernsad]

Hi everyone,

Got a call to rescue a small swarm today but the swarm has been clustered in the tree long enough to build 5 combs about the size of a bread and butter plate each. I've cut the branch off and it's currently sitting in the middle of an 8 frame box with 2 frames either side of it. How should I proceed from here to get the girls onto frames? Do I just sacrifice the small amount of brood and stores to date by shaking them onto the frames and treat it as a swarm? Or do I try and save the combs somehow?

Thanks,
B

[RayMarler]

Hi, get 5 frames that have no foundation in them. Cut the combs from the branch and tie them into the frames with twine or rubber band them in. Then drop them into the box against the morning warm side, and fill in the rest of the space with frames. Best of luck on the new hive!

[bernsad]

Thanks Ray, just what I wanted to hear, I didn't want to discard the comb if I didn't have to.
Regards,
B

[Sundog]

There are many very interesting videos on Youtube by forum members such as Hardwood, Schawee and J.P. that show cutouts like the link below.  Search for "Bickering Beekeepers" and "Fatbeeman".   It is great stuff to watch and very educational.

Have fun!

N.S.B. water meter bees 2.wmv

[bernsad]

Thanks Sundog, I'll check those out.