Checked hive on Sunday, queen cell on upper 1/3 of frame, almost capped. Eggs, larvae present. Didn't see queen, but didn't spend alot of time looking for her.
Check yesterday, queen cell capped. Eggs still present.
My question is; will a hive wait to supercede a queen until after a queen cell is capped, or rid of the queen and then start a queen cell?
It will probably be after the new queen emerges. You might even have a two queen hive for awhile.
This queen was just installed, laying beautifully. Some of the best brood I've seen in quite some time. If I find her, should I eliminate the queen cell?
My instinct says to leave it alone, as they obviously see something wrong with her, but not sure if I should go with my gut or not.
QuoteIf I find her, should I eliminate the queen cell?
Never destroy queen cells. If anything, use them in a split. The bees know what they are doing.
QuoteMy instinct says to leave it alone, as they obviously see something wrong with her, but not sure if I should go with my gut or not.
Go with the gut in this case.
I removed a queen cell and then had to go get a new queen because I had destroyed the bees plan. I agree with Bassman, leave it alone.