Queenless with only 1 colony

[Rod Dawson]

I lost one colony in the winter, now my remaining colony is queenless. Other than restocking is there anything I can do?

 

[dn170221]

Are you sure they are queenless?

 

[jimmybee]

Get another colony any way, and then drop a frame of eggs/brood in the old colony, you will soon see if your queen less.

 

[Rod Dawson]

Yes, I had a good look and as the colony is sparse there was no doubt.

 

[Ben90]

How did they become queenless? Are you sure they haven't just swarmed?

 

[Ivor Kemp]

Are you not a member of an Association? We would let a queenless member have a frame of eggs straight away.

 

[jd101k2000]

Are you not a member of an Association? We would let a queenless member have a frame of eggs straight away.

Sounds like a plan. Other than that you could find a supplier of queens in your local area.

 

[northernsoul]

depends on your definition of sparse.

If they have been without a q for so long and the numbers are very low with old bees then the situation is hopeless and the colony will never recover

 

[Arfermo]

Sounds like a plan. Other than that you could find a supplier of queens in your local area.

I have bought in virgin queens in the past. At this time of year that is about all you can expect from any breeders and you will still be very fortunate to find one and it's even less likely that they will be selling mated queens just yet. The "Beeman" or Michael Collier 01584-890236 may be able to help if your BKA can't/won't.

 

[brettf]

I purchased a new mated Carniqueen from B S honey bees last week. next day delivery and she looked good.

 

[Margaret Elisabeth]

The bee inspector thought I had a Q- colony a couple of weeks ago. I had called him to check for disease as i was concerned.
I had never seen this queen since i was lucky enough to see her go on her mating flight so I did not totally lose hope but prepared to pension off the colony.
Last weekend I opened up to find more bees than before and saw queenie strutting around. I think they were stopping her laying as there were not enough to keep the brood warm on cold nights/mornings.
We have had some very cold nights and wet days here so even with fondant on they have had a hard time. Also this colony was in a shrubbery for protection against the wind but I believe this worked against them as it is so shaded and damp. They are now moved to a sunnier spot with a paving slab underneath, two breize blocks as before and timber supports under the floor. hopefully now they will have a better chance of increase. Both colonies still have their 4 inch cushion of insulation on. The other colony has been slow to build up this year and the queen stopped laying a couple of weeks ago. I believe the same was happening there as every second day has been cold windy and wet.

 

[TOBY-3652]

i purchased a new mated carniqueen from b s honey bees last week. Next day delivery and she looked good.

good bees too
i had 2 two year ago and still going strong