Lonely Queen

[Darryl]

I have a colony which has been ailing for some time. A late requeen resulted in a low bee count which has diminished over the last couple of months. No visible sign of disease and poor forging compared to a nearby hive. I am left with a virtually empty hive with a scattering of open and capped brood. The queen, however is happily wandering over the frames.
I assume the colony is doomed but I am loath to lose a healthy queen.
What should I do with her?

 

[Hachi]

Can you be a bit more specific re numbers? I.e. frames of brood / bee's etc

 

[Darryl]

Bee barely cover one frame but are scattered throughout the hive in small groups as is capped/uncapped brood.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

pictures?

 

[Anduril]

I'd say your queen is doomed, no matter what you do now, the hive will die out over winter. Now with colder nights she will get chilled and is not being fed well. I would use the term wandering aimlessly over the frames.

 

[Erichalfbee]

I have a colony which has been ailing for some time. A late requeen resulted in a low bee count which has diminished over the last couple of months. No visible sign of disease and poor forging compared to a nearby hive. I am left with a virtually empty hive with a scattering of open and capped brood. The queen, however is happily wandering over the frames.
I assume the colony is doomed but I am loath to lose a healthy queen.
What should I do with her?

If you’re desperate to save her split a colony into two nucs and introduce her to one.

 

[jeff33]

If you’re desperate to save her split a colony into two nucs and introduce her to one.

I personally wouldn't bother so late in the season and would rather keep a strong hive.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

Looks like the queen may be the problem so I'd just cut my losses and mark it down to experience

 

[Darryl]

Too late. Just had a look in and - no queen despite almost taking the have apart. The few uncapped brood were unattended with the low bee count. Only workers spotted seem to be robbers from a neighbouring hive. I think you are correct jenkinsbrynmair, the queen has made little progress since she was introduced so I'll clear out the hive for next year ready for a swarm or split.
Thanks everyone for the advice.