Swarm Transfer//How to Transfer a Swarm from a Swarm Trap//Transferring a Swarm into Full Equipment

Get your tactical-style beekeeping gloves here: (make sure to get the correct size)

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Get your hive tools:

Protect yourself and don't get stung in the back:

Transferring your swarm from a swarm trap into full sized equipment is something that should happen within the first week of catching a swarm. Somewhere between day 4-7. Wait too long and they will be too heavy to move!

[RonaldCassens]

This is the first time that I am transferring a swarm to a hive body. This video gave me a very calm and methodical procedure to make the transfer. I was able to understand every word during the procedure. Thank you & GOD BLESS!!!

[valeriewilliams]

Excellent video. I sound like to see you hang the hive trap! Thanks

[nkybeekeeper]

This was a great instructional video. I am transferring a swarm bait box that has been hanging for a year and is going to be packed. It is very heavy. The gentleman could not take it down until now so I get the adventure of switching to a hive box. Your video will help get me started. Thanks!

[Kevin-TinyTrailFarmNC]

Terrific video. I am a bit envious you don’t have to wear gear. I’m a beek highly allergic to bees. Still worth it! Great job, thanks for posting!

[stanleyjones]

I have subscribed, concise and practical information and innovative ideas. I love the idea of building my own wooden ware and forward thinking.

[jomiller]

Great video Yes I would like to see how and where you hang the trap. There was a lot of good information in this one for me I feel like I may be better equipped for my next group and their transfer. Thank You.

[maxfelon]

Thank you! I was so confused on how the transfer happened

[mexicotcjs]

Hello Mr. Hive Dr., I'm new here and love the videos. I am also new to bee keeping. I have 80 acres in central Oklahoma and I have set up 6 swarm traps this year. To my surprise, I have 4 small swarms now. I have heard you have to transport the new swarms up to 3-5 miles away when putting them into their new home? I do not have a spot 3-5 miles away. I've also been told that I could set up their new home close to, or right under the trees that I have the swarm boxes? Also I would like to know what is the best time to move them? (I noticed activity this last 2 days ago 4/17/24) I have heard at least a week to 3 weeks after I noticed activity at the swarm boxes. If I may one more question, can I join them into one large hive in hopes that they will be stronger to survive the winter. Thanks in advance!

[Kevin-TinyTrailFarmNC]

Great being able to watch again. I just found a swarm in a trap box. They just arrived a couple of days ago. Q Doc: how long should I leave them before transferring to one of my apiary hive boxes? I know it’s 50/50 science and art but ballpark. Thanks!! Kevin

[topsoutdooradventures]

I will never know why you don't get used like a voodoo doll...lol

[tasmedic]

I'm a beginner, and so far I've looked after 3 colonies in total, all are captured swarms.
I think you suggested you might have a virgin queen there. I thought it was pretty much always the old queen that set out with the swarm, and a new queen is left in the old colony. Is this true?
I've just transferred my third swarm to an 8 frame flow hive. The swarm had been in the swarm trap for exactly 2 weeks. There is no sign of brood at all, just like yours. Is this a concern, or should I just leave things and see what happens?
Is it worthwhile just putting 7 frames in my 8 frame flow hive, and separating the frames a bit to discourage cross-combing? Where I live, in Tasmania, it seems that all 3 of my colonies just love the idea of cross-combing, which a right Royal pain in the ass! Can I just separate the frames a bit? Would this be a problem when winter comes, and the frames aren't so close together? Here in Tasmania, we seldom get more than a degree or so of frost in the winters.
Phew! that was a lot! Hope you can help!
Chris. NW Tasmania
PS. I subscribed, of course!

[strpoollvr]

I am loving these videos but one minor complaint: The audio of your intro is way louder than the rest, and I'm usually watching youtube late at night so its a little startling lol. Loving your content though! I'm hoping to catch my first swarm very soon and get going with my new hives.

[williamkoehne]

Do you set your swarm trap in your colony a day or so before transfer to have them reorient?

[stonkpuppets]

What’s the ideal time to transfer a caught swarm? The next day, 2, 3??

[barrackndegwa]

I tried deep super and for all of them I got broods instead of pure honey even though we put queen excluder.