{"title":"Primalbee Transferring \/ starting with PB","description":"","products":[{"product_id":"starting-from-a-split","title":"Starting from a Split","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"doc-title\"\u003eStarting from a Split\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-doc-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"printable_area\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIf you already have a strong Primal Bee hive (or a strong Langstroth colony), splitting is a great way to start a second Primal Bee hive without purchasing new bees. The Primal Bee hive's thermal efficiency makes splits more forgiving — smaller populations can maintain brood temperature during early establishment better than in standard equipment.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"when-to-split\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen to Split\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYour colony is ready to split when:\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe colony covers all 8 nest frames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe queen is laying a strong, consistent brood pattern\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDrones are present (indicating mating season)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLocal nectar flows have begun\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDaytime temperatures are consistently above 60°F\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStrong colonies often show swarm cells or queen cells — this is a signal the colony is biologically ready to reproduce. Splitting redirects that energy productively.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhen NOT to split:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Late season (less than 8 weeks before first frost), during a nectar dearth without reliable feeding, during disease outbreaks or heavy pest pressure, or when the colony covers fewer than 6 frames.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-youll-need\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat You'll Need\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eA second Primal Bee hive, fully assembled with foundation in all nest frames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDense sugar syrup for feeding (4 parts sugar to 1 part water)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePPE, smoker, hive tool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"method-1-walk-away-split-no-purchased-queen\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod 1: Walk-Away Split (No Purchased Queen)\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis is the simplest method. You let the bees raise their own queen from existing eggs or young larvae.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e From your strong hive, select 2-3 nest frames that contain eggs or larvae no older than 1-3 days. Make sure there are plenty of nurse bees on these frames.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Place these frames into your new Primal Bee nest box. Set up the follower board with the brood frames on one side (active nest) and empty frames with foundation on the other side (storage for growth).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 3:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e The nurse bees will realize they are queenless and begin raising a new queen from the eggs or young larvae. This process takes about 16 days from egg to emerged queen, plus another 1-2 weeks before she mates and starts laying.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 4:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Feed immediately and continue feeding until the new colony is established and drawing comb.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 5:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Make sure the new hive is placed at least 5-10 feet from the parent hive so foragers reorient to the new location rather than drifting back.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eImportant:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e The parent hive keeps its queen and will recover its population naturally. Only split from a colony that is strong enough to lose 2-3 frames of brood and bees without being weakened.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"method-2-split-with-a-purchased-queen\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eMethod 2: Split with a Purchased Queen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eIf you don't want to wait for the bees to raise their own queen, you can introduce a purchased queen to the split.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 1:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Move 2-3 frames of brood and nurse bees into your new Primal Bee hive (same as above).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 2:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Introduce the new queen using the gradual release method — place her queen cage between frames with the candy plug accessible to the workers. Over 3-7 days, the bees will acclimate to her scent and chew through the candy to release her.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 3:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Check after 5-7 days to confirm the queen has been released. If she hasn't, you can carefully release her directly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThis method gets the new colony laying sooner and eliminates the uncertainty of whether the bees will successfully raise a queen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"configure-the-nest\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eConfigure the Nest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStart with 3 frames on the active side (the brood you transferred), follower board in the middle, 4 frames in storage on the other side. Once bees are using 75-100% of accessible frames and brood comb is building, move the follower board one frame at a time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"post-split-care\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePost-Split Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFeed both the new split and the parent hive. The parent hive lost population and brood — feeding helps it recover. The new split needs fuel to draw comb and establish itself.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMonitor the new split after 15 days for signs of a laying queen (fresh brood, eggs, pollen coming in at the entrance).\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor detailed monitoring and ongoing management guidance, see the Transferring from an Existing Hive guide in this section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-doc-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"last-update\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-print\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/primalbee.com\/tools\/usage-guides\/transferring-starting-with-pb\/starting-from-a-split#\" class=\"print-btn\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 18 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\n                                                \n                                            \u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-print\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/primalbee.com\/tools\/usage-guides\/transferring-starting-with-pb\/starting-from-a-split#\" class=\"print-btn\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 18 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\n                                                \n                                            \u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"printable_area\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"when-to-split\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"method-2-split-with-a-purchased-queen\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003e\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HILLTOP HIVE \u0026 HONEY COMPANY LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47791230550254,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"starting-from-a-nuc","title":"Starting from a Nuc","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"doc-title\"\u003eStarting from a Nuc\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-doc-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"last-update\"\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eStarting from a nucleus colony (nuc) is one of the fastest ways to get a Primal Bee hive going. A nuc is essentially a full colony in miniature — five frames with a laying queen, brood, nurse bees, and food stores.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWe recommend leaving the old nuc frames behind and letting the bees start fresh on new Primal Bee foundation. Old comb often carries pests, pathogens, or pesticide residues that weaken colonies. Thanks to the hive's thermal efficiency, well-fed colonies will build new comb rapidly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"before-you-begin\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore You Begin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you'll need:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYour nuc (typically 5 frames with bees, brood, and a laying queen)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWired wax or plastic foundation in your Primal Bee nest frames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eTemporary queen cage (clip style works well)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePPE (gloves, suit, etc.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSmoker and hive tool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFeather and\/or soft bee brush\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDense sugar syrup for feeding (4 parts sugar to 1 part water)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSame as any transfer — spring is ideal, and you can start any time temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C). Pick a calm, warm day.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-1-prepare-your-primal-bee-nest\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 1: Prepare Your Primal Bee Nest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSet up seven Primal Bee nest frames with foundation. Place the follower board in the center with three nest frames on one side (active nest) and four on the other side (storage for growth). Temporarily remove the 3 frames from the active side to give yourself space to install the bees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInstall the bottom board screen, varroa tray, and attach entrance reducers with holes facing outward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-2-secure-the-queen\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 2: Secure the Queen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eLocate and cage the queen from the nuc. Set her aside safely while you transfer the workers. Getting the queen into the Primal Bee hive is the key step — once she's in, the rest of the colony will follow.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-3-transfer-the-bees\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 3: Transfer the Bees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShake or brush all worker bees from the nuc frames directly into the 3-frame side of the nest. Work frame by frame. Any bees left outside will find their way in through sensing queen and worker orientation pheromones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-4-release-the-queen-and-replace-frames\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 4: Release the Queen and Replace Frames\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRelease the queen in a safe spot inside the hive. Then carefully reinsert the nest frames you removed. Take your time — you don't want to crush bees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-5-configure-the-nest-and-feed\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 5: Configure the Nest and Feed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe bees start on the 3-frame side — this is their active nest area. Once bees are using 75-100% of the frames they have access to and brood comb is building, move the follower board one frame at a time.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFeed immediately with dense sugar syrup (4 parts sugar to 1 part water) through the feeder lid. The high sugar concentration stimulates the bees to quickly draw new comb on the foundation so the queen can start laying.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"what-about-the-leftover-nuc-frames\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat About the Leftover Nuc Frames?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe nuc frames left behind — if they contain eggs or young enough larvae — along with about one cup of nurse bees found on top of the brood area can actually generate a new queen and repopulate your nuc box for future use. This is called a walk-away split.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"post-installation-care\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePost-Installation Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter 15 days,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e look for fresh brood (capped brood, larvae, or eggs). Since you transferred an established queen with her workers, you should see brood development quickly.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't find the queen?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Watch the entrance. Bees flying in with pollen baskets means they're feeding larvae — that's your sign the queen is laying.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor detailed monitoring and ongoing management guidance, see the Transferring from an Existing Hive guide in this section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-print\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/primalbee.com\/tools\/usage-guides\/transferring-starting-with-pb\/starting-from-a-nuc#\" class=\"print-btn\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 18 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\n                                                \n                                            \u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"printable_area\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HILLTOP HIVE \u0026 HONEY COMPANY LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47791231074542,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]},{"product_id":"starting-from-a-package","title":"Starting from a Package","description":"\u003ch1 class=\"doc-title\"\u003eStarting from a Package\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-doc-meta\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInstalling a bee package is one of the simplest ways to start a Primal Bee hive. There are no old frames to deal with — just bees and a queen in a screened box.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"before-you-begin\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eBefore You Begin\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWhat you'll need:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eYour bee package (typically 3 lbs of bees + a caged queen)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eWired wax or plastic foundation in your Primal Bee nest frames\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePPE (gloves, suit, etc.)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSmoker and hive tool\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSpray bottle with light sugar water\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eDense sugar syrup for feeding (4 parts sugar to 1 part water)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eTiming:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSpring is ideal. You can install a package any time the temperature stays above 50°F (10°C), but earlier in the season gives the colony more time to build up before winter. Pick a calm, warm day — early morning or late afternoon works best.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-1-prepare-your-primal-bee-nest\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 1: Prepare Your Primal Bee Nest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eMake sure your nest frames are ready with wire-embedded wax foundation or plastic foundation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eSet up seven Primal Bee nest frames with foundation. Place the follower board in the center with three nest frames on one side (active nest) and four on the other side (storage for growth). Temporarily remove the 3 frames from the active side to give yourself space to install the bees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eInstall the bottom board screen, varroa tray, and attach entrance reducers with holes facing outward.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-2-prepare-the-bees\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 2: Prepare the Bees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eGive the package a light mist with sugar water through the screen. This calms the bees and keeps them from flying as much during installation.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-3-install-the-bees\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 3: Install the Bees\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eRemove the feeder can from the package. Remove the queen cage and set it aside safely.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eShake or pour the bees directly from the package box into the open space on the 3-frame side of the nest. A firm shake or two gets most of them out. Don't worry about getting every single bee — set the open package near the hive entrance and the stragglers will find their way in through sensing queen and worker orientation pheromones.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-4-introduce-the-queen\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 4: Introduce the Queen\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003ePackage queens are new to the colony — they need time to acclimate.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCheck the queen cage: it should have a candy plug on one end. If there's a cork instead, remove the cork and replace it with the candy plug (or poke a small hole in the candy end). Hang or wedge the queen cage between two frames near the center of the active nest area, with the screen side facing down so workers can access the candy plug.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eOver 3-7 days, the worker bees will chew through the candy to reach her. Initially, they might act aggressively toward the cage, but by the time they eat through that candy, they've acclimated to her scent and typically accept her as their queen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-5-replace-the-frames-and-close-up\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 5: Replace the Frames and Close Up\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eCarefully reinsert the frames you removed. Take your time — you don't want to crush bees.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-6-configure-the-nest\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 6: Configure the Nest\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eThe bees start on the 3-frame side — this is their active nest area. Once bees are using 75-100% of the frames they have access to and brood comb is building, move the follower board one frame at a time. Keep doing this until they're using all available space.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"step-7-feed\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eStep 7: Feed\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFeed immediately with dense sugar syrup (4 parts sugar to 1 part water) through the feeder lid. The high sugar concentration stimulates the bees to quickly draw new comb on the foundation so the queen can start laying. Continue feeding until the colony has established comb on most of their frames and natural forage is available.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2 id=\"post-installation-care\"\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePost-Installation Care\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCheck after 5-7 days\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e to confirm the queen has been released from her cage. If she hasn't, you can carefully release her directly onto the frames.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eAfter 15 days,\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e look for fresh brood (capped brood, larvae, or eggs). If you see any of these, close up — the queen is doing her job.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eCan't find the queen?\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003e Watch the entrance. Bees flying in with bright yellow pollen baskets on their back legs means they're feeding larvae. Pollen baskets = brood = working queen.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-weight: 400;\"\u003eFor detailed monitoring guidance, see the Transferring from an Existing Hive guide in this section.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"bdl2-print\"\u003e\u003ca href=\"https:\/\/primalbee.com\/tools\/usage-guides\/transferring-starting-with-pb\/starting-from-a-package#\" class=\"print-btn\"\u003e \u003csvg viewbox=\"0 0 18 16\" fill=\"currentColor\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\"\u003e\n                                                \n                                            \u003c\/svg\u003e \u003c\/a\u003e\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv id=\"printable_area\"\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"description\"\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"HILLTOP HIVE \u0026 HONEY COMPANY LLC","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":47791231795438,"sku":null,"price":0.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}]}],"url":"https:\/\/hilltophiveco.com\/collections\/primalbee-transferring-starting-with-pb.oembed","provider":"HILLTOP HIVE \u0026 HONEY COMPANY LLC","version":"1.0","type":"link"}