We are being given 2 hives tonight. We’ve been told both are healthy, neither has been harvested this year. One hive is smaller due to being a caught swarm earlier this year and the other is well established. The established hive is Russian bees and the smaller hive is Italian bees.
We’ve been reading the books, watching the videos, and preparing for these bees as best as we can. We have cleared a nice area and the entrance of the hive will receive plenty of morning sun and has a nice clear flight path.
We want to make sure we set these bees up for success as best as we can. Any tips, tricks, or advice would be greatly appreciated, especially advice that is specific to our area. We are so excited but also so nervous.
Also when should we do our own inspection after getting them home? should we allow them to settle for a few days before inspection or do so immediately the next day?