Chalk Brood

[Erichalfbee]

I have a small colony with chalk brood which didn't really build up after winter.
Three weeks ago I shook it into a five frame poly nuc and treated with fumadil as I spotted a few nosema spores on a quick slide I did.
They have drawn all the frames, three of them with brood but chalk mummies are still being produced. I know I should re-queen but is it safe instead to unite this small colony with a larger one of unrelated bees?
I'd welcome an opinion please.

 

[oliver90owner]

Generally regarded as a genetic defect, so as long as the Q+ colony (at uniting) is not the 'chalk brood' one, no worries - it's not 'catching'.

Regards, RAB

 

[Midland Beek]

I would say 'yes'. Chalk brood probably resides in a lot of colonies and it is only when you have succeptible bees does it become a problem.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Wonderful!! Thanks gentlemen. Time to rub out my first ever queen.....sniff