When I did my first inspection of the year about a month ago, I saw that I need to replace my queen. I know I have one (though didn't try to locate her), but her laying pattern is very spotty. When should I replace her and how long should I let them remain queenless?
Does anyone have any ideas of who to order a queen from? (I'm in Washington State) I got my hive from Georgia, but I don't know if it's ok to order a queen from across the country. Ideas?
Quote from: Miss Pepper on April 08, 2008, 07:29:55 PM
When I did my first inspection of the year about a month ago, I saw that I need to replace my queen. I know I have one (though didn't try to locate her), but her laying pattern is very spotty. When should I replace her and how long should I let them remain queenless?
Does anyone have any ideas of who to order a queen from? (I'm in Washington State) I got my hive from Georgia, but I don't know if it's ok to order a queen from across the country. Ideas?
Try Olympic Wilderness Apiary in Port Angeles. He has Russian/Survivor stock. He next days them every thursday starting in late May I think. I've gotten some and like them. The other nice thing is they are aclimated locally as well as mite resistant.
It might be spotty because its early in season.
So should I wait to replace her until next month?
Are you saying that her laying could get better as Spring progresses?
Some people say that it's a good idea to requeen every year, even if the queen looks fine. Do you think that's a good idea or should I just let her be if her brood pattern gets better?
(sorry for all the questions! Requeening is an aspect of beekeeping that I don't know much about)
my brood patterns are all spotty. i think it's the weather. we are still in the 30's at night and rain, rain, rain.
If the bees agreed with your assessment, odds are they would have already replaced her.