---------------------------------------- <>From: "Kevin R. Palm" <[log in to unmask]> <>Date: Sun, 23 Apr 1995 18:22:46 -0400 <>Subject: Hiving packages in cold weather? <>Dear BEE-L'rs, <> I have a problem. I live in Northeastern Ohio, near Cleve- <>land, and the tenmperature tonight and tomorrow is supposed to be <>in the 40-50 degree range with occasiobnal rain, possibly snow, <>but no accumulation. I'm supposed to get a package of bees from <>a member of our county beekeeper's association who is bringing them <>up from tyhe south. I'm picking them up tomorrow. Is is possible to <>hive a package of bees in this weather?? The queen is going to be <>a Taber (sp?) queen. If I can't hive them immediately, how long will <>they stay alive in the 3# package?? <> Thanks for the help!! Hello Kevin, That's the best time, as far as I am concerned. The bees will cluster up to keep warm, and will not fly and drift away the first day they get out. I have put them in the Rockies when its was trying to snow. One season I put in 500 over a period of a few day's with snow showers. I thought at the time I would lose them all and it turned out to bee the best packages I ever installed, I did not use the few extra queens sent with the packages that season. It was cold enough to put them in early in the afternoon. I dumped them on the bottom board, ripped the screen off the queen cage and dumped her on top of the pile. I would do 10 or more and then go back and put the frames back in. I did not poor sugar syrup all over the bee's because of the cold weather. All the hives had inside feeders to get them started on the dandelions. ttul Andy- PS Yes it was a miserable job, but one with excellent results..I only dream about such good conditions now.