I made an install on April 10th and I am wondering what I should bee seeing. I just inspected the hive.
Found the queen.
4 or five frames drawn (I'm really not sure what constitutes fully drawn).
Several cells have a brown substance in them (I'm assuming HONEY).
No signs of eggs.
I am still feeding with a division feeder and using entrance feeder with the largest opening. I would appreciate any advice!
Thanks!
the brown stuff is more likely to be pollen
For the unknowing the little white eggs are some time hard to see when you have white or wax foundation.
Get in a position where the sun will be at your back. Let it shine over one or the other shoulder.
Hold the frame at a position that the sun will shine into the cells.
The eggs are standing on end the first day, there fore making it more difficult to see.
About as small as the smallest grain of rice.
If your queen was mated you should be seeing some little milky colored grape fruit section shaped,
Larvae in the bottom of the cell.
Another reminder for all you new Bee keepers, Try to stay away from the urge to open up the colony every two or three days. It's not necessary and only continues to disturb the colony as a hole. Once every 5 to 7 days is close enough.
Also, Always know why you are opening the hive. :)doak
If you have standard frames the fully drawn brood comb should not be very far beyond the edge of the top bar.
i would stay out of the hive as much as possible. initially i would go in after 3-5 days to make sure queen is released and then 10 days after to see if eggs are laid and comb is being capped. It will look like toasted cheese on top of the comb. if you have 5 frames already drawn keep feeding, you can probably have a peek in 2 weeks. try not to disturb them to much and don't do a complete break down every time you go in. Your just looking to see how many frames they built up. When they are at 9-8 fully drawn frames add another box then don't go in for another month.