I did a shake out of a laying worker hive 2 days ago.
They did not enter any of the 3 remaining hives (I put entrance reducers to protect hive #3 new queen, and #1 and #2 queen cells. After staying outside all night (this huge hive festooned underneath #3 which was closest to their old hive, but didn't go in). I opened up the entrances a bit, but not completely. This helped as less where outside than before, but about 30% or more were still on the outside of the hive, completely covering the side and back of the hive.
Is this normal? It is warm at night now, I'm worried they will starve.
I'm also thinking this might deter the laying workers from wanting lay?
Just wondering if anyone has seen this before or not. I don't think there is much that can be done about it.
Derrick
QuoteI'm worried they will starve.
i'll let someone else answer the other questions, but don't worry about starvation. remember that survival is always the strongest instinct. if there is food around, they will eat. if there is shelter, they will take it when they need it....although it's not always where you want them :-)