Hive rotation

[leonotron]

Hi, I'm looking for some advice regarding rotating a hive. I currently have my hive facing east. It's somewhat shaded by a tree up until 2pm or so. I faced it east so it would face to the end of the garden rather than facing into the garden (south) so the bees wouldn't be bothered by us walking up or down the garden. They seem fairly docile though so I was thinking if it would be better to turn them 90° so the entrance would be facing south. I guess I'm asking if this would be a better option for the bees and also if I'll have any problems with them orienting themselves to a slightly different position. It would also mean I would have to work them from the side and not the back. Would this be much on an issue? Any help much appreciated.

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[enrico]

I prefer to work from the side, turn them a bit a day, they will never notice, a word of caution....docile today but tomorrow? Next year? Be careful!
E

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

If you have an OMF floor, it isn't that crucial which way the entrance faces, they'll see the sunlight through the floor, and the sun will warm the side of the hive just the same. I'd keep the entrance as it is if it's in the garden.

 

[oliver90owner]

At one point I had eight hives in two rows (of five and three) facing each other, with less than a couple metres between the two rows. I used to walk between them almost daily, and often without a shirt (just shorts), and did not get stung once all season. Know your bees, I suppose. If I had a colony that was at all 'shirty' they were moved out 'post haste', to an out apiary.

Last year I had some which 'saw me off' my 'out garden', but this year I have not been troubled by any at all, so far.... Know your bees, I suppose... If they were at all a nuisance to me they would be at another, more remote apiary, in a very short time-scale.

 

[leonotron]

I have them on an open mesh floor. Hadn't thought about the light coming into the hive that way. I had thought the warmer the entrance the sooner they might start foraging in the morning and the later the sun light would shine on it in the evening too. They are docile now but also a small enough colony so it might change as they get bigger. Thanks for the advice. I think I might just leave them be for now still facing east.

 

[BeeJayBee]

I can't post the image as I have a post count under ten but here it is,(remove space after 'http'): http ://oi39.tinypic.com/vildgg.jpg

Your picture http://tinypic.com/view.php?pic=vildgg&s=5

If it was my hive I'd have it facing the wall. The bees would be forced to fly up and out, and away.

They're in a warm spot, with good shelter from the north. With open mesh floors I don't think it matters too much which way they face.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I think you'll be alright - my hives don't get any direct sun from mid afternoon onwards (they're near a large hedge to the West). and large trees on the Eastward side of the apiary means the sun can't be seen until about tennish although the area is not in the shade - They're still out from early morning until late evening.

 

[Roola]

I asked this question a few weeks back as needed to turn my hive 180 degrees. I did it over a week turning it 45 degrees every few days, although they flew to the old entrance side they soon got the idea of running around the edge no problem!

 

[leonotron]

If it was my hive I'd have it facing the wall. The bees would be forced to fly up and out, and away.

If I turned it to the wall I think it might be a bit too close. 10/15cm. At the moment they walk to the edge of the landing board and head off in a south westerly direction. i think if it faced the wall they would probably then walk to the west of the landing board and take off that way.