Sept. 1st the queen flew away during inspection. There were lots of capped queen cells in the hive.
Today, Sept. 15th, abslolutely no brood....no eggs, no larva, etc....at all. The two-deep 10 frame hive is left about 2/3 full of only uncapped honey, but still a nice size group of bees.
I do have a two-deep 10 frame hive that seems to be doing okay and a cut out that I got almost two months ago that's pretty week.
Any suggestions out there for this rookie beekeeper? Don't know what to do this late in the season.
Thanks for any help.
Why not do a newspaper combo of the 2 hives to make 1 really strong hive.Unless you can get a laying queen like right now, as a newbie that's my thoughts.
Watch the incoming bees. If they are carrying pollen, wait another week and check for eggs. If no pollen, either combine or buy a mated queen.
Ahhh you mentioned queen cells, whats up with them, if one of them survived and got bred you have no problems. they aren't going to lay much now till spring anyway. And the queen could come back on her own accord. . Mine here in Michigan, have pretty much quit as well. Even the splits I have are slowed way down. , a combine may be in your best interest. In spring do a couple splits and your still ahead of the game. You maybe able to pickup a queen somewere.
I would wait another week or so to see if the bees have produced a new queen. At least you know (with the lack of eggs) they haven't gone laying workers on ya. Of course I'm in FL and our season isn't near over yet....you have winter to contend with.
Scott
The combine with newspapers...is it that easy...by just placing one hive on top of the other with the newspapers in between and let them take it from there?
Yes, it's just that easy. Some cut a slit or two in the paper to give them a starting point.
As my post above hinted, if they are carrying in pollen, it is likely queen right, just that she hasn't gotten up to speed yet. You will be wasting a queen if so.
No brood raised for September in Pennsylvania, means a dead hive by the end of January.
Combine the..... ;)
iddee...thanks for the wait and watch tip.
Today, Sept. 17th, I watched the entrance to the hive and saw lots of pollen going in. Opened it up and found lots and lots of eggs!!! The Queen popped her head up on the top of a frame as I was putting things back together and she looked huge compared to what I have seen other Queens look like. The golden rod is on it's way out and I'm feeding 2:1 sugar/water.
Any suggestions to help get this hive prepared to go through winter?
sounds like you have things under control....or they do. just watch your space. it's ok to crowd them at this time of the year. better crowded than to much space in winter. when you make your last check, you can decide about your space.