Swarm advice

[Andrewapis@]

Hello all. I have recently been given a swarm to look after its in a nuc box. There is no sign of any eggs at all. I spoke to the lady from the association she said it's either queenless or has a virgin queen. She advised me to put in a frame of eggs and see if they build a queen cell. I really can't get hold of a frame of eggs. Would there be an alternative method without the frame of eggs an suggestions much appreciated.

 

[Ian123]

How long have you had the swarm should be the first question? I’d suggest if you collected over 2 weeks ago you should be worried!

 

[Sutty]

Could you get hold of a small piece of comb with eggs from another beekeeper & inset that into one of your own combs?

It's quite possible it is a cast swarm headed by a virgin, in which case it could be a while until you see eggs.

 

[Andrewapis@]

Hello yes I've had it about a week and half.Inspected it last week. Thanks for the advice I will try and get some eggs as soon as possible. I only took the swarm because it had no where else to go did it as a bit of a rescue.

 

[enrico]

Hello yes I've had it about a week and half.Inspected it last week. Thanks for the advice I will try and get some eggs as soon as possible. I only took the swarm because it had no where else to go did it as a bit of a rescue.

Be patient. What have you got to lose.