Shaking out laying workers

[JamezF]

Before I go ahead and do it, would anyone caution me against shaking out a colony of laying workers where the only other hive nearby contains an unmated queen?

James

 

[Erichalfbee]

No. I wouldn’t.

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

me neither

 

[Gilberdyke John]

Before I go ahead and do it, would anyone caution me against shaking out a colony of laying workers where the only other hive nearby contains an unmated queen?

James

I had to read that twice. Simplified I wouldn't shake the laying workers out near a hive without a laying queen on the basis there wouldn't be any brood pheromones in the unmated queen hive to inhibit laying workers from laying eggs if they enter and become part of the colony. On balance I reckon there's little to be lost by waiting until brood is present in the new queens hive.

 

[Karsal]

Before I go ahead and do it, would anyone caution me against shaking out a colony of laying workers where the only other hive nearby contains an unmated queen?

James

Not a chance, you will wish you had never done it. It's carnage!!