Artificial Swarm

[porterswoods]

I did an inspection today and there where Queen cells, so I started looking for the queen so I could do an artificial swarm.

I have never seen the queen in this hive, all I know is that she is there and laying well and eggs are present. After 2 hours I still hadn't found her.

I wasn't getting anywhere so I closed up and have come here to ponder my options.

What I wanted to know is can you do an artificial swarm without finding the Queen? I don't know if it is even possible. Thanks in advance for your thoughts.

 

[oliver90owner]

Yes, it is possible. Several(?) - well seems like it - threads going on currently.

 

[CliffDale]

Same question came up recently. Lots of help here.

http://www.beekeepingforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=17533

 

[Poly Hive]

Are they on a single or double brood?

Were the queen cells capped?

PH

 

[porterswoods]

There was only one of the seven near to being capped, and eggs are still present. So I am assuming that she is still there.

What do you find is the best way to do it?