Viewing frames

[Andrew v]

I have collected our nucleus's and they were safely installed in the hives last Thursday. We did our 1st proper check today, we both think we saw eggs, we definitely saw larve, we certainly didn't see the queen. We struggled I think because of the sheer quantity of bees on each frame, it was hard to see anything under them, plus the queens aren't marked. Should I use a bee brush to move them,?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

No. gently blow on them to move them, give the frame a gentle shake to move some of the bees off (holding the frame inside the hive whilst doing so)

 

[Swift Nick]

I have collected our nucleus's and they were safely installed in the hives last Thursday. We did our 1st proper check today, we both think we saw eggs, we definitely saw larve, we certainly didn't see the queen. We struggled I think because of the sheer quantity of bees on each frame, it was hard to see anything under them, plus the queens aren't marked. Should I use a bee brush to move them,?

I wouldn’t, it may aggravate the bees, making inspections harder. I would look for evidence of a laying queen, the larvae, try and spot the eggs, get the sun behind you or use a small torch. Whilst looking for the queen try and look over the comb systematically, once you spot her a few times you will get better at it.
I found that using as little smoke as possible and being as gentle as possible makes for much more enjoyable inspections, it worked for me.

 

[Millet]

After doing what Jenky said use a small LED torch to look into the cells if you have trouble seeing eggs..don't use a black torch though the bees attack black a little more..as for finding the Queen take your time and look for nothing else..she moves differently and has longer brown back legs than the workers..