Laying space

[panders]

Hi all

I have 2 hives with newly hatched unmated queens and after inspection yesterday I noticed that most of the brood frames are at least half covered with stores 14x 12 frames(capped and uncapped honey and pollen. My question is: once the queens are mated and laying will the workers move the stores to make space for her to lay in the brood box or do I need to make this space for her?

many thanks

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Half covered - so 50% space to lay? they'll soon start re-arranging things when HM gets going

 

[panders]

Many thanks!

 

[Cazza]

Just a tip.
If the queens are newly emerged, you should not be looking in the hives for at least three weeks post emergence. It is very, very easy to disturb a virgin so that she flies off never to be seen again. Try to leave them alone until you are sure they are mated.
Cazza

 

[panders]

Just a tip.
If the queens are newly emerged, you should not be looking in the hives for at least three weeks post emergence. It is very, very easy to disturb a virgin so that she flies off never to be seen again. Try to leave them alone until you are sure they are mated.
Cazza

Thanks Cazza, I didn't know that!

 

[oliver90owner]

And add to Cazza's tip: if you really need to inspect, do it well outside normal mating times. If she does take off, just stand and wait for her to return. It is usually within about ten minutes. Otherwise, if she used you as a landmark it will have disappeared as far as the queen was concerned and she will be lost!