new queen?

[parttimer]

Hi all, looking for some advice. I caught a primary swarm last year from a feral colony in a hotel wall and was wondering if I should change the queen his year or will the bees supersede her themselves? Iv not managed an inspection on said hive this year yet though due to the bad weather but they are flying well and bringing in pollen.

 

[enrico]

I would see if she s any good, loads of brood in nice patterns, reasonable attitude and I would keep her, otherwise requeen!

 

[itma]

Since the queen that leaves with a (prime) swarm is a mature mated queen, there is the possibility that the colony will try to perform a supercedure before too long.

/ but do watch out carefully for the possibility of swarming!


ADDED - useful reading - www.wbka.com/pdf/a012queencells.pdf

 

[parttimer]

Thanks for the link itma