So as the title states I have a few questions about a cut out I did. I did a removal and could not locate the queen. I left a nuc box of capped brood over night. The next morning it was FULL of bees. After rehiving them I could not find the queen. So I gave up and started harvesting the excess honey with the old crush and strain method. While I was working I noticed a few random bees still moving around in and lo and behold the QUEEN comes marching out. She was left out for 24 hours in the bag with the honey comb. She looked a little rough but still alive. I took her to the her hive and there was a loud roar as soon as I placed her on the top bars. The bees came marching up and did not ball her but seemed to be taking care of her.
My question is will she be ok?
The bees were left with 12 medium frames of honey that I could salvage and I ended up with 2 gallons of honey. They also had 11 frames of brood. Of course this was all after I cut it to fit my frames.
I really want this queen to make it and I believe they possess good genetics. They did not seem overly agressive before the removal and for all my intrusion it was less than expected.
She was still alive and they were tending to her when you reintroduced her. Seems like she will be fine.
...JP
Yes Sir I was suprised to see her ALIVE in there after the rough treatment. I am very hopeful that she will make it. She has such an awesome brood pattern. I am not as skilled at spotting the queens as JP and Hardwood yet. Maybe one day I will get there.
Great news that you found the queen and got her in the hive before this cold spell. I wouldn't worry too much. As long as you left the bees some eggs they can make a new queen and supercede her if she is damaged. That time is here. I have a few cutouts that I need to do. Was going to try one on tomorrow in Kerens but it will be too cold and wet. Winter isn't over yet.