Cast swarm queen

[jezd]

Anyone able to confirm that a cast swarm's queen would have been mated before she took to leaving with her bees? or is that wrong.

Cheers

Jez

 

[BKF Admin]

Jezd have a think about when a cast swarm leaves the hive.

 

[Mission]

I my experence - No, but as always in these matters someone may have another experience. The new queen hatches and then leaves with a small quantity of bees. Thats why it's important to remove all but 1 cell if your hive swarms. If you leave more than 1, then there is a risk that the hive will cast swarm a week or so later when the new queens hatch.

Expect your queen to be laying in 2 to 3 weeks, if the weather allows for mating flights.

 

[jezd]

I my experence - No, but as always in these matters someone may have another experience. The new queen hatches and then leaves with a small quantity of bees. Thats why it's important to remove all but 1 cell if your hive swarms. If you leave more than 1, then there is a risk that the hive will cast swarm a week or so later when the new queens hatch.

Expect your queen to be laying in 2 to 3 weeks, if the weather allows for mating flights.

My worry is that if you catch a cast swarm and add a QX to the bottom then you would be stopping her mating.....this would be a big issue.

Jez

 

[BKF Admin]

I only leave a QE on for 48 hours,they should of started to draw some comb by this time if they are going to stay.

After 48 hours on my return to the Apiary I remove the QE and give them a 4lb feed.

I think one of the problems is if a cast have decided to shift then they will follow the queen out on a mating flight.

Cast swarms are a little que sara sara,hard to shift their way of thinking regards swarming off again.

If you add some brood, even if you loose the Queen you should keep the bee's.

I give my swarms to new beekeepers after I have the queen laying because I have lost count of the number of times I have rung up a new Beek to say I have a swarm for them, only to get a phone call after a few day's saying they have all gone from their nice new hive.

It's heartbreaking for beeks that have been waiting months on the association swarm waiting list.

 

[jezd]

thanks, may had some brood when i take the QX off

 

[Mission]

Jezd, I always make sure they have new, fresh foundation to play with and then leave them alone for at least 2 to 3 weeks. I try not to disturb them and up to press I haven't lost a single swarm.

Once they are in - leave them to feel at home. Once they are happy, then they will stay.

 

[jezd]

Jezd, I always make sure they have new, fresh foundation to play with and then leave them alone for at least 2 to 3 weeks. I try not to disturb them and up to press I haven't lost a single swarm.

Once they are in - leave them to feel at home. Once they are happy, then they will stay.

thanks Mission, I need to remove the QX mind? they have been in the hive for 2 days now with the queen locked in.

Jez