Oakbear
New Bee
After patiently waiting 3 weeks for my virgin following an AS to complete her flight and start laying, i thought i'd have a peek this afternoon.
As usual they were lovely, but no sign of queen and no eggs. All old brood had hatched.
Numbers appeared to have dwindled somewhat, but tons of pollen and nectar was being stored.
I found most of the Q cell i had left, part broken down.
I went home and had a think, and either it was a dud cell, or i missed her and she's not mated/returned/started laying. So i thought i'd good back this evening and transfer a test frame.
Thought i'd be quick, so didn't smoke. I opened up and they roared up at me! I had pings from all over and my veil had a good covering. I think i picked up about a dozen stings, and the suit is full of ones which didn't get through.
I admit to chickening and closing straight up again!
I think i'll try Thursday to put a test frame in if the weather's good, and maybe buy a new queen if any scrub is not too hot.
Any thoughts and advice much appreciated!
Was it because i'd disturbed them earlier? Time of day ? Lack of smoke?
Any indicator as to being Q-?
Thank you!
As usual they were lovely, but no sign of queen and no eggs. All old brood had hatched.
Numbers appeared to have dwindled somewhat, but tons of pollen and nectar was being stored.
I found most of the Q cell i had left, part broken down.
I went home and had a think, and either it was a dud cell, or i missed her and she's not mated/returned/started laying. So i thought i'd good back this evening and transfer a test frame.
Thought i'd be quick, so didn't smoke. I opened up and they roared up at me! I had pings from all over and my veil had a good covering. I think i picked up about a dozen stings, and the suit is full of ones which didn't get through.
I admit to chickening and closing straight up again!
I think i'll try Thursday to put a test frame in if the weather's good, and maybe buy a new queen if any scrub is not too hot.
Any thoughts and advice much appreciated!
Was it because i'd disturbed them earlier? Time of day ? Lack of smoke?
Any indicator as to being Q-?
Thank you!