- Joined
- May 15, 2022
- Messages
- 349
- Reaction score
- 304
- Location
- S.W. Northumberland
- Hive Type
- National
- Number of Hives
- 3
I captured a swarm on 5th June and they happily climbed from a sheet into my hive.
They have been busy since with many flyers and I can see pollen being taken in.
I did my first inspection on 14th June and could see lots of open comb filled with honey but no brood/eggs nor could I find a queen.
Is it possible I have caught a virgin queen who has since mated but not yet ready to lay or am I queenless?
I dont appear to have lost any bees, they are staying with me which is why I am hoping I just missed her.
Its my only hive so I cannot take a frame from elsewhere.
They are a very placid lot who appeared to ignore me during the inspection so I would love to keep them.
What do you think? Wait, or buy a queen?
Please be gentle
K
They have been busy since with many flyers and I can see pollen being taken in.
I did my first inspection on 14th June and could see lots of open comb filled with honey but no brood/eggs nor could I find a queen.
Is it possible I have caught a virgin queen who has since mated but not yet ready to lay or am I queenless?
I dont appear to have lost any bees, they are staying with me which is why I am hoping I just missed her.
Its my only hive so I cannot take a frame from elsewhere.
They are a very placid lot who appeared to ignore me during the inspection so I would love to keep them.
What do you think? Wait, or buy a queen?
Please be gentle
K