Capped drone cells. QCs how long?

[Birdie Wife]

I've been holding off on doing my first inspection of the year until the weather was warm enough so this afternoon was the right time. I saw lots of capped brood on 4-5 frames and a bit of drone brood, but no drones or Queen cells (or play cups). They are on brood+a half, plenty of empty cells for laying and modest amounts of stores.

Any idea when I might expect to see Queen cells made? This colony is from a swarm collected last year in late May.

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[Erichalfbee]

I've been holding off on doing my first inspection of the year until the weather was warm enough so this afternoon was the right time. I saw lots of capped brood on 4-5 frames and a bit of drone brood, but no drones or Queen cells (or play cups). They are on brood+a half, plenty of empty cells for laying and modest amounts of stores.

Any idea when I might expect to see Queen cells made? This colony is from a swarm collected last year in late May.

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4/5 frames if brood?
Not yet, then. There are lots of factors to consider
Forage, weather, speed of build up to name a few.
Weekly inspections will reveal all

 

[Swarm]

Arrived at my apiary to a swarm. The colony involved had eight frames of brood and had been supered when they were on seven.
Now reduced to one cell.
Found the swarm low down in a bunch of brambles, a great location but very difficult to get a box under them.
All sorted now, I'll move them tonight.