Dead bees after uniting

[DaveG23]

A few days ago I united a q- nuc with a q+ nuc. Q- nuc was added to the top of the Q+ nuc, using 3 sheets of newspaper. The Q- nuc has a feeder with syrup.

Today I noticed around 20 dead bees on the landing board.

So have I made a mistake in leaving the feeder on? Can this lead to fighting rather than acceptance as they eat through the newspaper?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

more than 20 bees die every day in any colony

 

[The Poot in Somerset]

Three sheets? “Juan sheet does plenty”
(Sorry, couldn’t resist it)

 

[bobthecob]

So have I made a mistake in leaving the feeder on? Can this lead to fighting rather than acceptance as they eat through the newspaper?

I have never left a feeder on during a newspaper unite, or seen it recommended, so I wouldn't do it next time. Having said that, I can't really think why it would cause more fighting - if anything having everyone stuffed with nectar would make them more relaxed, you would think. I don't leave supers on above a uniting colony either though, which I think is more common.

3 sheets also seems a lot but then mine get through 1 sheet in a day so maybe that is too quick .....

In short, I wouldn't worry. As has been mentioned, bees die, and some newspaper unites go smoother than others.

 

[Speybee]

Three sheets? “Juan sheet does plenty”
(Sorry, couldn’t resist it)

On a par with..
What do Mexican carpet fitters repeat whilst working?
Underlay, Underlay, Underlay

 

[DaveG23]

Thanks for the replys, will relax and leave them to it.

 

[Murox]

On a par with..
What do Mexican carpet fitters repeat whilst working?
Underlay, Underlay, Underlay

Do you by chance make your own Christmas crackers ???

 

[Speybee]

Do you by chance make your own Christmas crackers ???

Maybe I should diversify?
This one is especially for you Murox.....

Where do you take a sick wasp?
To the Waspital!

 

[Murox]

Maybe I should diversify?
This one is especially for you Murox.....

Where do you take a sick wasp?
To the Waspital!

Oooh dear...........

 

[DaveG23]

Quite a few bees being dragged out from inside kicking and screaming, a few on the floor around the nuc dead and dying. Hopefully they will settle down tommorrow.

Didn't know there were so many comedians on the forum. Can we have a dad's joke section