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Top-bar Bee Hives, Three
hour. If the swarm reforms elsewhere, then you missed the queen and try again. If it seems like they have settled in the box, leave the box there and come back after dark and take it home. Sometimes if they are on a wall, or thick tree trunk, then you have to scoop them into the hive box. Be very gentle, as you don't want to hurt the queen. Do the same as above. Place them in your yard where you want them. It is hard to move them later, as you can only move them 2-3 feet a day. They like a south facing door and shade in the summer and sun in the winter. Under a deciduous tree is often perfect, but one that is out of the way of vehicles, running children and picnics. Providing them a "watering hole" with rocks so they can sit on a rock and dip into the water will help them find your yard hospitable. Initially feeding them syrup of organic sugar water is also helpful for them to establish well in your yard.
I highly recommend finding a local top-bar hive apiarist in your area and seeing if you can apprentice with her or him for a season before you get started. Every year, I take on an apprentice - it helps both them and me.
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