Stupid or suicidal?

[Popparand]

One of my smaller colonies came through the winter ok and the queen started to lay, but has now stopped and only a few capped brood cells remain. So if she was past it why didn't the workers supersede while they had the chance? Are they suicidal or just plain dumb?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

sometimes a queen just suddenly runs out of steam and catches the workers unawares

 

[enrico]

I take it the queen is still in there.

 

[Popparand]

I take it the queen is still in there.

I didn't spot her last time I looked. I'm going to leave them for a couple of weeks before reaching a decision.

But I have a colony in another apiary in the same state and I just recently put in a test frame. I'll see what they do.

At this time of year I am reluctant to deplete vigorous colonies by plundering their brood. If the two weaklings don't turn round I'll replace them with swarms.