On Sat, 2 Aug 1997 11:02:23 +0100 Computer Software Solutions Ltd <[log in to unmask]> writes: >I am a beginner. I need to re organise my apiary a bit. The ideal answer is >to move two of my hives forward of their present position by about 8 feet >(240cm). > There are two ways to deal with the problem: 1. Move the hive a significant distance (a couple of miles) for a couple of weeks, then back to the new spot you want them. 2. Move them a few inches at a time. Anything else will confuse the bees. They'll leave the hive to forage and return to the old spot -- finding the hive gone! Because they're creatures of instinct and habit, they aren't smart enough to identify their hive unless it's in relation to familiar surroundings such as a tree or fence. You'll wind up with a very angry swarm of bees 8 feet from the hive! However, the bees seem to adjust very well to completely new surroundings. This is why I prefer to use method 1.