Will Bees Switch Hives?

[Kathyp]

I popped the top on my rescue hive and it's dead.  It's almost empty also.  Just small clump of dead bees and that's it.  The bees in this hive looked different from the bees in the other hive.  Upon examining the other hive, I see some dark bees that look like the ones from the rescue hive. 

I remember someone posting that a hive will welcome workers from anywhere if they are bringing in food?  Things are blooming and just a few days ago, the rescue hive had workers flying. 

Might the bees from one hive have moved to another if they recognized that their hive was in demise?

well, it was a learning experience.  Hive 1 is exploding so I might just do a split.  Another package is on the way and I hope for a swarm or two.

[Michael Bush]

I've often seen workers from a failing hive move next door.

[Understudy]

You could do a combine. If the weather is warm enough.

Sincerely,
Brendhan

[Kathyp]

i probably should have.  it's to late now.  they seemed to be doing well last week when it was warm, but we got really cold at night and today they were in a ball mostly dead. there were a few still alive, but not very.

it was a crap shoot, and if i were more experienced i'd have played the game better i'm sure.  i did learn a lot and next time i'll do better.

thank you for all your help.  without your expertise in wall extractions, i would not have had the info i needed to get as far as i did!