Pollen Bound?

[Brigsy]

Hello,

One of my artificial swarm colonies now with a new laying queen is starting to feed royal jelly in a couple of queen cups today. I had a feeling they were feeling congested last week and moved some emptier frames inside the pollen 'wall' and made sure they had plenty of space in the supers.

It seems to be a theme with the side that is requeening that they become packed with pollen as there is no brood to feed. Could this be a cause of them starting swarm preps again? DO people withdraw pollen frames to make space? This colony today is jammed with it.

I guess I am going to have to split again just as I was getting ready to reunite.

Any thoughts please?

Brigsy

 

[Erichalfbee]

Yes I take pollen frames out, put in freezer and give them a foundation-less frame to draw

 

[Brigsy]

Sounds like a good idea. I will try that. Maybe a couple? One either side.

Today's check was to put mind at rest before a week away.......


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[Erichalfbee]

Sounds like a good idea. I will try that. Maybe a couple? One either side.

Today's check was to put mind at rest before a week away.......


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Yes. Put them in inside the other frame.

 

[Brigsy]

Thanks

 

[Hebeegeebee]

Unlikely that a new queen would swarm unless there's something wrong with her and bees will remove pollen if they need to in any case. Queencells might be there because she is no good. Supercedure?

 

[Brigsy]

Its hard to say, I noticed the cups today were very early stages of being fed. She has been about for a few weeks and has been laying very well.

I am not a fan of her blood line as the mother seemed especially prone to queen cups and swarming preparations.

My plan is/was to replace asap once the Q- side of my preferred colony has a queen on the go.