Damaged Supercedure cell, what now?

[beeker]

Did an inspection, really just to check on stores, as they were really light, with only a teeny bit left a week ago, [after being almost honey bound recently too] so guessing their nectar had dried up, [though my other two nearby were still finding loads] so I've fed them2:1 syrup, and they've stored it well.

Now..... as I moved the mite strip to check on a frame, I damaged an uncapped but charged cell which looked like it was joined to the strip, beyond redemption.

Question is what do I do now? check again in a few days, or just leave them to it? Is it too late for supercedure? I know thats a how long is a bit of string question, just a bit confused, as the queen still looks to be laying fine. Queen is this years, and is still laying well, nice pattern etc, though has slowed down a lot of late. Theres still a few drones in this hive, but quite a lot in my other two hives at home.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

leave them to it

 

[beeker]

Thank you JBM, I like a nice direct answer!

 

[Erichalfbee]

Did an inspection, really just to check on stores, as they were really light,

That may be the reason for the supersedure cell...mine have done that. Feed and it disappears. If they are serious they will simply make another

 

[oliver90owner]

Definitely not too late for supercedure. As long as the new queen gets mated satisfactorily, there need be no change in laying rate - as dictated by the workers.

If the queen does not get mated the old queen may well still be there next spring. She may still be there next spring, anyway. Who knows? Only the bees, I suspect. The bees will know best and dispose of the old or dud, as appropriate.

 

[Kaz]

In so glad you posted this. I have just hived a colony which was hanging in a tree and 2 weeks later found capped and uncapped what I believe to be supersedure cells. Thinking it was too late I knocked them back and added feed (low stores, like you I thought maybe they were blaming the queen) but this week they've started again so given the advice you have received I'll leave them to it this time. the bees know best