Location 2 (image3.jpeg) looks more sheltered, which is really good when
winter gales come along and start cooling hives, and sometimes knocking
them over.
Don't worry too much about which way the hives face. If they get the sun a
bit earlier (near the stable) that's probably good but... opinions are
divided about which way hives should face. In really old books I have found
references to colonies in north facing walls which always seemed the
healthiest and most vigorous, probably (we would say with modern knowledge)
because they got colder in winter - which ensures a long brood break which
gets rid of parasites. However other sources say if a hive faces East its
entrance catches the rising sun, the bees get up earlier and it does
better. So you see there are contradictions, "it depends". You can imagine,
the bees may get up earlier but if there is no warm nectar that early to
forage for, they won't get any more food! But in an area with different
forage there may be different plants which provide nectar at lower
temperatures. I tried rotating my hives from S facing to SE (45 degrees)
and the bees definitely became active 30 minutes earlier, and my impression
was the hives thrived a bit better - but maybe they would have anyway.
As I was saying... about hive positioning: it is best not to place a hive
under the "drip line" of a tree, i.e. where it sheds water during rain.
We used to have chickens in the back garden and they could wander right up
to the hives. They pecked other insects but seemed to avoid the bees! You
do occasionally hear of a grumpy colony which attacks nearby chickens but
it is rare. What I WOULD say though is, you will *occasionally* open the
hives. (Magalie is getting a TBH and a Warre.) This can make the bees
defensive and go for nearby moving things. So... I guess if the chickens
are near the stables, put the hives near the paddock.
Now other people will put forward other views until you are totally
confused 8)
Paul
On Wed, 10 Apr 2019 at 16:31, Mags <dmarc-noreply@xxxxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:
was shining:
Hello Everyone ,
I would like to ask you some advice for my hive location.
I had 2 in mind and I went around 8am this morning to see where the sun
later in the spring to give some shade.
Location 1 by the paddock
At first I though this is the best location as it is south oriented.
You can see on the pic that there is a tree which will have some leaves
My only concern is that I went at 8 am this morning and it was stillshaded, the sun only starts hitting the spot around 9am. I have heard bees
like the early sun so this may not be as appropriate. And it may be in full
sun during the hottest part of the day.
(not used for poneys but for tools storage) and close to some of the
Location 2
This would be under a hedge/tres of elderflower and hazelnuts.
This is a little closer to the main path as it’s close to the stables
chicken coop if we are to use these this summer, but nicely hidden under
the trees and would get the first early sun as it faces east.
very welcomed!
I need to build a stand at the end of the week so any advice/views are
Thank you
Magalie
