Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: S.M.N.Bee on May 03, 2012, 11:18:42 PM

Title: Free queen not laying
Post by: S.M.N.Bee on May 03, 2012, 11:18:42 PM
On 4/18 I got a free queen from a Friend. This queen was an extra caged queen he received in a three pound package he bought from a local supplier.
I made up a six frame nuc with two frames of brood,two frames of honey,a frame of pollen and an empty drawn frame. I also shook a frame of extra bees in to give them some more bees. I than left the nuc queenless for a day and installed the queen with the cage next day.

I checked this nuc five days later. Queen was released but no fresh eggs. I again checked the nuc today. Spotted the queen but no eggs,larvae or caped brood?

Any advice on how to helpfull?  I was going to give them a frame of eggs and brood from another hive tomorrow and see what happens. Should I pinch off the queen or give her more time?

John
Title: Re: Free queen not laying
Post by: Nate on May 04, 2012, 07:11:42 AM
It is possible that the queen wasn't mated yet.  Give it 5 more days or so, then requeen it.
Title: Re: Free queen not laying
Post by: S.M.N.Bee on May 04, 2012, 11:31:52 AM
Nate

I thought of that as well. If she was a virgin we have very few drones here in Minnesota. Chances are not good she will properly mate.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Free queen not laying
Post by: Jim134 on May 04, 2012, 12:43:20 PM
Quote from: S.M.N.Bee on May 03, 2012, 11:18:42 PM

Any advice on how to helpfull?  I was going to give them a frame of eggs and brood from another hive tomorrow and see what happens. Should I pinch off the queen or give her more time?

John


Give them a frame of eggs now and leave the queen a lone and give it 5 to 7 more days how look for queen cells or eggs. The bee will tell you.IMHO



  BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Title: Re: Free queen not laying
Post by: S.M.N.Bee on May 04, 2012, 04:02:47 PM
Thanks Jim       I gave them a frame of eggs and brood. Will see what happens!

John