How long before a Virgin Queen mates/lays?

[BernardBlack]

Supersedure happened as a lack of eggs being laid. New queen emerged last week (actually two, but left them to fight it out). So how long do you think it will take the new queen to mate, and ultimately, start laying?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

give her peace for three weeks then a quick peep

 

[Poly Hive]

Books say three weeks, seen it take 5.

Dinna panic.

PH

 

[BernardBlack]

give her peace for three weeks then a quick peep

Can I still carry out my weekly checks in the meantime though?

 

[Millet]

From what this mere mortal has read the Queen will emerge/ hatch on the 15/16/17th day, she will be soft or take 3 days to harden.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Can I still carry out my weekly checks in the meantime though?

No - but why would you need to? they ain't likely to build QCs and swarm!

 

[YorkshireBees]

Can I still carry out my weekly checks in the meantime though?

What would you be looking for?

Personally any colony that is in the process of re-queening be it supecedure or post swarm gets left alone for at least 3-4weeks. If they have supers on I may well check them for space but I do not touch the brood box unless I have an urgent reason to.

Even when a queen is mated in a short length of time there is no point inspecting until her first round of brood is capped so I can check she is mated correctly (laying workers not drones) and has a good laying pattern.

 

[Heather]

Only look if you need to know something.. and you don't for 3 weeks minimum.

I know that enthusiasm and curiosity can run away with you when new to this malarkey ...but the worst thing for bees ... is a beekeeper!

What if you were 'peeping' when she is returning from her mating flight. She may debunk... and you are screwed.. well, the hive will be.
Go and read a book, paint a wall, plant some bee friendly flowers... patience, my friend.