Hi, 

I have caught another swarm and don’t want it here at home long term.  I’m in need of some advice from someone who has experience moving a new colony.

My trap included 2 frames of foundation but no comb.  The bees have been at the trap about 5 days.  They are very active, in and out, but very very slight imports of pollen as of yesterday.  I plan on giving them 2-3 weeks to settle in before moving them into a permanent hive. I also need to move them about 1000’ across an open hay field.

Any recommendations on how best to go about this?

My thoughts are to bring them home  (8 miles away) in the swarm trap after the 2-3 weeks. Give them 2-3 days to recover and then transfer them to the hive wait another 2-3 days and then return them.  Are my allotted times enough? Despite the obvious “lot’s of work” I’m struggling to find a better way.

Thanks, Dave McCoy