Prime swarm?

[Howsoonisnow]

Can a prime swarm have a 1000 bees or less? If not, what's going on?

A swarm given by another beekeeper was barely covering one frame and it had assumed to be a cast but 3 days later eggs have been seen.

Other than to quarantine, what would you do treat for disease at this point?

Thanks

 

[Polyanwood]

Yes, if it is from a very small colony. I have to visit a woman who has complained she has had a swarm in her bird box for 5 weeks. It must be a small swarm, and the limited space might mean that they have already swarmed again.

 

[Skyhook]

Yes, if it is from a very small colony. I have to visit a woman who has complained she has had a swarm in her bird box for 5 weeks. It must be a small swarm, and the limited space might mean that they have already swarmed again.

Bet you it's a bumblebee colony.

 

[Howsoonisnow]

These are AMM species.

Can a superceding colony inadvertently throw a mini swarm?

 

[Midland Beek]

Yes, it could be from a naturally small colony, like one in the hollow of a tree or a bird box.

Or it could be the result of supersedure, and when the resulting swarms can be small.