How soon to replace swarm queen?

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Angularity

Field Bee
Joined
May 9, 2016
Messages
678
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70
Location
Cambridgeshire
Hive Type
14x12
Number of Hives
7
The queens with the three swarms I have collected this season all seem to be laying, but I am aware that they will need to be replaced at some point.

What is that point? As soon as practical, going in to the Autumn, or some other point?
 
I wouldn't replace them! Not if they were laying well and good tempered. The bees will tell you when the time is right!
E
 
Check the brood pattern generally and temperament of the bees, builld-up etc and assess them before making a decision. Your swarm queens might be fine. If you just want to have different queens - say you keep only carni's, then any time is suitable - at your convenience....
If the queens are OK and you want to get rid anyway, then your local association may have someone who has need of them.
 

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