Q above QE again

Jeff M · Jul 3, 2015

After finding the Q above the QE when I first inspected this hive I changed the QE over to one that was newer. When inspecting the hive today I found her above the QE again. I caught her and put her back below the QE in the brood box.

She does seem to be on the smallish side but is very productive.

Is this a common occurrence, or do I need to think about changing the QE again; currently using pressed steel?

dexter's shed · Jul 3, 2015

is she running out of space below and looking for more comb to lay in?

Erichalfbee · Jul 3, 2015

What sort of excluder do you have?
Pressed steel ....what is that?
A framed wire excluder is the standard.....

For want of a better word · Jul 3, 2015

Some queens are small.... I would give her the run of the hive and let her choose where to brood.... usually it will be across the full sized brood box, and often in the center few frames of the box above ( which could be super sized)
Super sized frames filled with honey could be moved up into the next super.
I know one elderly beekeeper who has never used a queen excluder... he says they damage the bees!
As long as you can spot eggs finding the queen is an unnecessary task... tis nice to see her for a bit of reassurance she is there!

Yeghes da

Jeff M · Jul 4, 2015

Yes, I have been considering giving her the run of the hive. If she's going to bypass the QE anyway, might as well make it easier for the rest of the bees. Been reading about the Rose Hive method and it seems to make a lot of sense.

Gilberdyke John · Jul 4, 2015

Jeff M said:
After finding the Q above the QE when I first inspected this hive I changed the QE over to one that was newer. When inspecting the hive today I found her above the QE again. I caught her and put her back below the QE in the brood box.

She does seem to be on the smallish side but is very productive.

Is this a common occurrence, or do I need to think about changing the QE again; currently using pressed steel?

I note your term "newer" for the qe. I'd be very carefully checking the qe or even buying a brand new plastic excluder.

Jeff M · Jul 9, 2015

Thanks for your comments. I decided to remove the QE and give her the run of the hive, then continue with a brood and a half arrangement through the winter.