Queen off lay how long should I give her

[Barnowl]

One of my hives the queen went off lay about 3 weeks ago. This coincided with the removal of supers.
Hive was low on stores so I am feeding this hive. The queen is a 2023 queen and there has been no attempt by bees to requeen. I am wondering how long is normal for being off lay as I am concerned that there will be no winter bees made.
Any advice appreciated.

 

[ericbeaumont]

feeding

That should get her back laying, so long as all else is functioning. What was her pattern like before the pause?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

many colonies have a brood break at this time (or at least late August/early September) being low on stores would also trigger a brood break

 

[Barnowl]

That should get her back laying, so long as all else is functioning. What was her pattern like before the pause?

Before the pause she was laying well, my feeling is that lack of stores caused it but am wondering if the timing means that they will go into winter without new bees - or is it likely she will lay again before winter sets in? wondering whether to nuc the queen and combine rest of hive with another colony or just wait a while.

 

[Barnowl]

many colonies have a brood break at this time (or at least late August/early September) being low on stores would also trigger a brood break

Yes I I think the low stores is the main factor too.

 

[Curly green finger's]

It sounds like she is ok I have queens who have had a brood break longer than 3 weeks , some queens are only just starting laying again now the ivy has started .

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

as curly says, they often have\ a break at this time and then lay the winter bees - it's not October yet. Don't get sucked up in to the growing fad that winter bees get laid earlier and earlier. I'm waiting for the day when someone will state their belief that winter bees are brought by the Easter bunny

 

[Do224]

as curly says, they often have\ a break at this time and then lay the winter bees - it's not October yet. Don't get sucked up in to the growing fad that winter bees get laid earlier and earlier. I'm waiting for the day when someone will state their belief that winter bees are brought by the Easter bunny

So when do the winter bees get laid? Is the start of Oct too early to ram the hive full of stores by feeding?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

from now on, I haven't thought of feeding mine yet, can't ever recall putting the feeders on until October

 

[ericbeaumont]

Is the start of Oct too early to ram the hive full of stores by feeding?

If you feed 2:1 and temps are lower and colony size is reduced, the bees may find it difficult to reduce the water content.

If you feed invert syrup or a big block of fondant - both which have far less water content - bees will take down the bulk in late summer & autumn and the rest right through winter.

Bear in mind that my Southern late summer, autumn and winter will not be the same as yours up North.

 

[Do224]

If you feed 2:1 and temps are lower and colony size is reduced, the bees may find it difficult to reduce the water content.

If you feed invert syrup or a big block of fondant - both which have far less water content - bees will take down the bulk in late summer & autumn and the rest right through winter.

Bear in mind that my Southern late summer, autumn and winter will not be the same as yours up North.

Got it, thanks. Ideally, when is best to pile on the feed…from the point of view of not restricting the queen too early?

 

[ericbeaumont]

pile on the feed

What will you feed?

 

[drex]

No set time. Depends on forage location and colony strength. Ivy available? If so, wait and see. Best guide is a check on how much space is available and hive weight

 

[Do224]

What will you feed?

I’ve got fondant and 2:1 but I could also get my hands on invert.

 

[Swarm]

Got it, thanks. Ideally, when is best to pile on the feed…from the point of view of not restricting the queen too early?

You are considering double brood next year, all things being well, you won't need to think about it

 

[Barnowl]

It sounds like she is ok I have queens who have had a brood break longer than 3 weeks , some queens are only just starting laying again now the ivy has started .

Thankyou that is reassuring I will wait.

 

[Barnowl]

as curly says, they often have\ a break at this time and then lay the winter bees - it's not October yet. Don't get sucked up in to the growing fad that winter bees get laid earlier and earlier. I'm waiting for the day when someone will state their belief that winter bees are brought by the Easter bunny

Thankyou, yes I have been getting sucked into that idea that I am running out of time for winter bees. I will wait a while.

 

[ericbeaumont]

I’ve got fondant and 2:1 but I could also get my hands on invert.

Wait and see how much ivy comes in (and HB if you have it) and go from there.

 

[Do224]

Wait and see how much ivy comes in (and HB if you have it) and go from there.

Loads of both coming in when the weather allows it…which isn’t that often at the moment!

 

[jarmo henttu]

One of my hives the queen went off lay about 3 weeks ago. This coincided with the removal of supers.
Hive was low on stores so I am feeding this hive. The queen is a 2023 queen and there has been no attempt by bees to requeen. I am wondering how long is normal for being off lay as I am concerned that there will be no winter bees made.
Any advice appreciated.

Normally feeding should start laying again even if it has been stopped.