pollen mass for brood?

[beepig]

Some confusion here. my large colony recently decided to swarm leaving several queen cells. I have left them now for three weeks without interference. Fortunately the weather has been fabulously warm and today on a regular visit i noticed a mass of bees all with fully laden pollen baskets entering hive. Does this mean the queen has mated and is laying eggs. As i thought pollen was main source of food for new larvae. Should i go in and check for brood and eggs or leave well alone. They are set up for winter with stores under neath brood, but still have a super on top also.

 

[Hivemaker.]

Does this mean the queen has mated and is laying eggs.

You will only find out by having a look.

 

[Erichalfbee]

And.......queenless hives will still stuff the brood box with pollen.

 

[midnight sun]

One of the more experienced beeks should be along soon(probably before I've finished typing this reply as I'm not the fastest at typing)
Part depends on when the Q cells were sealed, you do not know I assume.
So if you assume they had just been sealed that means at day 8 then they will emerge on day 16. (times vary to be honest but that is another thread).
If you then assume that only one survives (yet another thread) then she will try to mate say from day 21 depending on the weather. Then once mated she will take a few days to start to lay around 4 to 5 minimum. Then get into her 'stride' another few days. So you can say that she would need about 3 weeks from the QC being sealed at the earliest.
Best to give her another week undisturbed. Also depends on drone availability this time of year although I have quite a few in mine yet.
As for bringing lots of pollen in, that can be a sign of brooding but usually in the spring growth. bees are bringing in pollen in now to ready for winter which would be their usual urge in any case this time of year. So not always a sign of Queen laying I'm afraid.
Perhaps a quick look in a week if the weather is good as it's getting time to close for winter. Hope that is of some use till the experienced guys come along.

 

[midnight sun]

See!! Two of them beat me to it like I said they would. Bugger!

 

[beepig]

Thanks all. I will go check next week. Heres hoping...

 

[itma]

... today on a regular visit i noticed a mass of bees all with fully laden pollen baskets entering hive. Does this mean the queen has mated and is laying eggs. …

Yes, a step-change increase in pollen foraging is an encouraging sign.
But as others have indicated, a check inside for brood is the only real way to tell.

 

[Erichalfbee]

Good luck and let us know what you find.