Naked Science Forum

Life Sciences => Plant Sciences, Zoology & Evolution => Topic started by: chris on 10/08/2012 09:29:40

Title: How long do bees take to make a hive?
Post by: chris on 10/08/2012 09:29:40

How long does it take a colony of bees to make a hive?

Title: Re: How long do bees take to make a hive?
Post by: hewsonqueen on 13/08/2012 12:35:58

This was the reply from my bee mentors - who has been doing this over 25 year

"They don’t really build a water proof home as such. They build combs under a shelter or in a cavity.
I would think If conditions were very good a large swarm could build enough in a month or less to get through the winter."

Ann

Title: Re: How long do bees take to make a hive?
Post by: chris on 13/08/2012 15:38:04

Thank you, Ann; I know some people who will be absolutely delighted with this answer!

Chris

Title: Re: How long do bees take to make a hive?
Post by: CliffordK on 13/08/2012 23:26:02

Yellow Jackets seem to build their hives quickly, usually starting small with a couple of bees, and a small, generally open comb.  Then, over time they continue to expand it to make large nest as more bees are born.

Honey Bees swarm, and thus will bring the entire swarm into a new hive, and thus would quickly start the transformation process.  However, as hewsonqueen mentioned, it may take some time for them to build up adequate stocks of honey and other stuff to winter over.

Title: Re: How long do bees take to make a hive?
Post by: chris on 14/08/2012 09:26:10

Aren't "yellowjackets" wasps?