My lively hive

[Mary Glenn]

Seeking advice. My hive appears lively after the winter, but I've seen only one bee bringing in pollen over 4-5  10-minute observations. Today I opened it up. I found several frames of capped honey, and yes, the queen. She seems extremely lethargic.  There is about 2 square inches of brood, a couple of larva. ( I'm not good at spotting eggs-too small)  I didn't see any queen cells.

Any suggestions out there?

Mary

[Mark Lewis]

Hi Mary,

That is concerning. I've seen a lot of pollen coming in, including some that is a strange beautiful dark blue.  2 days ago found a few drones already out walking the comb and capped drone brood (+worker brood). I'm feeding and looking to make splits pretty soon.  

What I would say about your situation is that the bees are well-aware of it and will no doubt try to find a remedy. This might be best. Especially until you can determine whether she's begun laying eggs now, after a period of dormancy. 

Obviously you could try to order another queen but this time of year will need to come from far away: CA or GA.   

How about this idea: if one of us happens to find a capped queen cell in the next couple weeks, contact Mary to discuss replacing her queen and placing the cell into her hive...???

Best,

Mark

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[Mary Glenn]

Great idea, Mark. Thanks. I'd be happy to accept a capped queen cell. Yes, the bees were defensive around their feeble queen.

Mary

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[Jared Tausig]

Cedar Lane Apiaries has queens.

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[noah.m...@gmail.com]

Hi all, 

I'm in a similar situation. I've got a queenless hive that doesnt have long to live. If anybody finds any swarm cells, I would appreciate one. Or if anyone is driving down to Ct to get a queen from Cedar Lane, please let me know. 

-Noah 

[Mary Glenn]

Noah,

I was planning to get a queen from Cedar Lane (they have a RI location as well that is a bit closer), but they reminded me that you need enough bees to keep queen and brood warm.  I have maybe only 2 + frames of bees...they are pretty thin, so I decided  to merge with the package I ordered in January when I get those.

Good luck.

Mary

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