Archive for Downsizer For an ethical approach to consumption
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whiteoak
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queen question part 2thanks to those who answered first time round, i will give you an update and see what the new suggestions are!
So i have split the hive using the artificial swarm last monday, checked the original hive tonight to see if the queen is laying again and there are no eggs present. The bees have not made any queen cells up. The queen is still there and looks to be healthy. In the last week they have filled at least two brood frames with honey, and drawn out and filled five super frames.
Is it now time to requeen? or should i still be patient and think that she will start laying again soon now the swarming pressure has been reduced. There is very little sealed brood remaining.
Thanks again for all answers and suggestions.
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Tavascarow
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I would wait until next Monday.
If the queen isn't laying by then you can remove her & reunite with the young queen or take a frame with eggs & young larvae from the other hive & they will raise a new queen so you will have 2 colonies.
Over the last couple of summers so many virgin queens have been returning unmated & thus are no use so I am always loathed to kill a proven queen especially as she is only in her second year.
If your new queen is mated & laying well then would be the best time to destroy the old one otherwise you may end up with two colonies & no queens.
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Lorrainelovesplants
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I would leave them alone for a fortnight, just feed with syrup and leave them. If you keep disturbing them after swarming, she might up and go. Had this advice from 3 experienced beekeepers.
My first rehoused swarm only started laying 3 weeks after housing, and I havnt checked the 2nd swarm, which has ben housed 2 weeks now....be patient. And feed plenty. At least a gallon.
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