Kathy,
Many times, hives are abandoned because they have American Foul Brood. Since
you are a beginner, I have to tell you that there is NO CURE for AFB.  Some
people are under the illusion that Terramycin is a treatment that cures AFB,
but THERE IS NO
CURE for AFB.  The worst part is the AFB spore stays alive and well in the
wood of a hive, and if you put new bees in that hive, your new bees
immediately have AFB and
must be fed Terramycin for the rest of their lives.  Much more important is
if you bring those hives in contact with your present hive, you have just
"hand delivered"
AFB into every hive in your apiary.

Regarding moving them:  Bees cluster at any temperature under 50°, and if the
bouncing around during the trip breaks the cluster, it is possible that the
bees die of
cold.  I would not move the bees at a temperature less than 50° to be on the
safe side.

But I would not touch them until they have been certified AFB free.

George Imirie
EAS Certified Master Beekeeper
Beginning my 70th year of beekeeping in Maryland
Author of George's PINK PAGES