A quickie re nuc split

[enrico]

Just split a queen into a nuc but I think they might have been going to supercede rather than swarm so how likely is it they will supercede her in the nuc asap. Thanks

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Just split a queen into a nuc but I think they might have been going to supercede rather than swarm so how likely is it they will supercede her in the nuc asap. Thanks

pretty likely, they usually build up a bit in the nuc then supersede, however if the queen is on her last legs they may supersede immediately

 

[enrico]

pretty likely, they usually build up a bit in the nuc then supersede, however if the queen is on her last legs they may supersede immediately

Thanks, that's what I thought.

 

[masterBK]

Can often get another year or so out of an older (breeder?) queen at risk of supersedure by moving her (+ frames + bees) into 5 frame nuclei as her pheromone output is sufficient with less workers in the colony to inhibit the supersedure impulse. Unless you want her for queen rearing the only reason for keeping her going is insurance in case the "soon to be new" queen from the cell left in her original colony doesn't emerge, gets lost on her flights or doesn't get mated . She can be disposed of once you are satisfied with the new queen.