Nock, I?ve had 100% luck with packages. I always provided a frame of food and a frame of brood. They will not abandon the brood in my apiary, although I am sure this has happened.
I ordered two packages this year as I adore watching total strangers unite forming a thriving colony and I need new genetics. I keep the queen caged and release a day later if accepted.
In the past, I received packages while raining. I just placed the package indoors until weather permitting. Not sure what temp is the threshold, critical temperature that is. I am going out on a limb here and suggest if your other hives are flying, then install the package. If your other hive is clustered, I would definitely wait.
You can direct feed the package safe honey or 2X syrup. The thick solution will stick to the wire in small batches, so you can feed from the outside. I realize there is a can of syrup which the bees will cluster around. But if you have to keep indoors, offer some food as described.
Don?t plan on checking the queen until you install the package.
To install, removed the plywood cover over the syrup can. Your bee tool is perfect for prying the plywood away. This exposes the can of syrup and a tether holding the queen cage. You have to remove the syrup can to get to the queen cage. When you CAREFULLY remove the syrup can,,,,, bees are free to fly!!!! Bees will stick to the can so remove slowly as not to roll the bees.
Now there are two trains of thought on releasing the package of bees:
1. Drop the box of bees so all the bees fall to the bottom of the cage, then remove the can, the queen cage and place the bees directly over the frames shaking the bees out of the package.
2. Place an empty deep body over you vacant hive, place the package in the empty deep body, remove the syrup can, remove the queen cage, place the top/lid on the empty deep and let the bees slowly walk out of the package that is directly over the frames.
Packages of bees are so much fun. They are basically strangers from many hives that have an incredible ability to organize. The frame of brood locks the package of bees in, I have never witnessed nurse bees absconding leaving brood, although I have heard from fellow beeks it happens, very VERY rarely.
Your gonna enjoy the package bees if you purchased from a reputable supplier. Like I said in the beginning of this text, I have never lost a package and I purchase a package every other year.
Watch closely for disease after the bees settle in. You know the routines.
Health to your bees.
Van