New queen?

[Loubylou]

Hello, just checked one of my hives which was thriving and to my despair found qc’s! I know they are too late to be viable but is it too late to introduce a mated Q? I have seen some for sale. Or should I just combine with another colony? Tia

 

[Amari]

Hello, just checked one of my hives which was thriving and to my despair found qc’s! I know they are too late to be viable but is it too late to introduce a mated Q? I have seen some for sale. Or should I just combine with another colony? Tia

I've never inserted a mated queen this late in the season but if you're well funded why not try? However you should destroy the Q cells first and I wouldn't fancy going through a brood box, carefully checking every frame, this late in the season

 

[Newbeeneil]

Are you sure this is not a supercedure?

 

[Murox]

Hello, just checked one of my hives which was thriving and to my despair found qc’s! I know they are too late to be viable but is it too late to introduce a mated Q? I have seen some for sale. Or should I just combine with another colony? Tia

Unless I was certain about the provenance of the queen I think I would combine this late on.

 

[Loubylou]

Are you sure this is not a supercedure?

Definitely sure. No eggs just capped brood and 6-7 qc’s capped. Would love to save this colony if possible.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Definitely sure. No eggs just capped brood and 6-7 qc’s capped. Would love to save this colony if possible.

But what are you saving? Bees made by a new queen will be a completely different colony

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

But what are you saving? Bees made by a new queen will be a completely different colony

in this kind of situation I would just knock down the QC's and unite

 

[linoleum bonypart]

Makes you wonder if this person inspecting this late is the cause of said queen mortality... Haven't inspected for nigh on 8 weeks

 

[Erichalfbee]

Makes you wonder if this person inspecting this late is the cause of said queen mortality... Haven't inspected for nigh on 8 weeks

There’s nothing to suggest that

 

[Loubylou]

There’s nothing to suggest that

Makes you wonder if this person inspecting this late is the cause of said queen mortality... Haven't inspected for nigh on 8 weeks

 

[Loubylou]

Makes you wonder if this person inspecting this late is the cause of said queen mortality... Haven't inspected for nigh on 8 weeks

‘This person’ says thanks for the unhelpful comment.
When filling feeders, I noticed qc’s...so NOT inspecting, just topping up feeders.

 

[Erichalfbee]

‘This person’ says thanks for the unhelpful comment.
When filling feeders, I noticed qc’s...so NOT inspecting, just topping up feeders.

I did say there was nothing to suggest that and I was commenting to Mr Bonypart. You have had some helpful comments though. I still think the best idea is to unite with another. Good luck and let us know how it goes.

 

[madasafish]

I have sold queens before to people who introduced them late October with success.
If it is a thriving hive and you have a weak hive, unite is safest.

If all your hives are thriving , a new mated queen may be the best option for you.

Uniting is probably the safest option...

So your choice... (but do knock down all QCs and if IN ALL CASES do check for and kill the original queen who may still be present)

 

[Newbeeneil]

Definitely sure. No eggs just capped brood and 6-7 qc’s capped. Would love to save this colony if possible.

You noticed that there were no eggs at all while filling feeders?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

IN ALL CASES do check for and kill the original queen who may still be present

Not quite as crucial with an unite though, quite a few do it without making one side Q- (although it does help if both sides have a laying queen)
Did one at the end of this season actually and the colony is booming

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

You noticed that there were no eggs at all while filling feeders?

well if I noticed a QC I'd be in there like a shot to try and work out what's happened - wouldn't you?

 

[Loubylou]

You noticed that there were no eggs at all while filling feeders?

Yes after seeing Qc’s

 

[Hebeegeebee]

If the colony is of a decent size, I would give a new queen a go. The bees should accept her well at this time of year provided there are no queencells or queens in there, of course.

 

[Loubylou]

Thanks everyone, I have decided to get a q and pop her in. It’s such a strong colony with lots of capped brood still I think it had a good chance of survival.

 

[Widget]

You noticed that there were no eggs at all while filling feeders?

Just thought I would remind you of the note at the bottom of your posts indicating a 3 point check before responding - is the reply "true", "necessary", or "kind". I suggest your reply was neither necessary or kind. The reason I think very carefully before posting a question on this forum is because of my past experience of critical or snide comments. New and novice beekeepers can be easily discouraged by such comments.