I collected a swarm last night and brought it home. I put it into a hive box with foundation but no drawn comb or honey. This morning (about 10.30 or so) the swarm left. What did I do wrong? Should I have completely blocked off the hive for a couple of days so they would settle in there? Should I have provided them with honey or sugar water? What do other people do with new swarms?
malachii
I've had the same thing happen to two of my swarms mate - no rime or reason as to why! i followed the same process with all of them - seems some just get the idea in their head that they don't like their new, warm, clean digs!
A ozzbuzz said, at least 2 of mine have done that. Might be too barren in there with foundation only? I did have one abscond that had half a frame of honey, i re caught them and they stayed fine.
Hey, a good trick is to cut up a damaged excluder and nail it across the entrance/exist that way if the swarn decides to leave her majesty stays behind and they return in a couple of hours at most. After a few weeks take away the cut excluder. You can also place a complete excluder on the bottom board which will do the same thing.
Cheers Steve
If I may;
EDIT - Sorry my reply was also about using a Queen excluder which has already been posted !
Sorry, didn't mean too intrude !
Bee-Bop
If you use a queen excluder as a queen "includer" don't leave it on more than 2-3 days. The drones will be trapped inside as well and won't be able to take cleansing flights.
Scott
It happens to me a lot; i have started clipping the queen, if she goes then, she only makes it a few feet. I have placed her back 3 to five times befor she gave up and went to laying. I even do this on all my cut outs now as i lose a lot to absconds.
Just feeding them syrup usually works for me, but if you want to be sure they stay put, give them a frame of uncapped brood. Works every time for me.
Steve
Quote from: hardwood on October 26, 2010, 02:36:03 PM
If you use a queen excluder as a queen "includer" don't leave it on more than 2-3 days. The drones will be trapped inside as well and won't be able to take cleansing flights.
Scott
Isnt a swarm the old queen? the new queen stays in the original hive, therefore mating isnt an issue, she is already mated?
Quote from: Pete on November 07, 2010, 05:30:14 PM
Quote from: hardwood on October 26, 2010, 02:36:03 PM
If you use a queen excluder as a queen "includer" don't leave it on more than 2-3 days. The drones will be trapped inside as well and won't be able to take cleansing flights.
Scott
Isnt a swarm the old queen? the new queen stays in the original hive, therefore mating isnt an issue, she is already mated?
I dont think they are refering to the queen or drones needing to mate rather the drones cant get out for a "toilet stop". They cant cross their legs for anymore than about 2-3 days!
malachii
Quote from: asprince on October 26, 2010, 08:56:22 PM
...if you want to be sure they stay put, give them a frame of uncapped brood. Works every time for me.
This has worked for me too.
Also, you can have multiple swarms from one colony, and I think after the first one they're virgin queens. So mating could be an issue if you restrict the queen.