I have three hives. One doesn't seem to be doing well. It was a package that was mailed. When I put the queen in I noticed 3 of maybe 6 of the helper bees were dead. I removed the cork, poked a hole through the candy and put her in. 3 days later she wasn't released but the other 3 bees were dead, and the rest of the hive wanted to kick my you know what! I don't know if they starved or if the queen killed them or what. There was still candy in the box. I cleared exit and watched her go into the hive.
Could the queen release herself? Can she feed herself? If they don't release her does that mean they won't accept her? There isn't as much activity as the other hive. I feed them and they eat some of the sugar water but the other eats it all. If the queen is dead would the other hive take them in?
(https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20170521/59749b12ca8e13aa09b8b67e2c88dd4c.jpg)
Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk
It is not uncommon for the attendants to be dead and the queen is alive. The bees will feed her Royal jelly at their own peril.
Next time, if the bees are not attacking the cage, enlarge the hole and put it in the hive. Bee sure to put it in the hive with the hoe side up. If the attendants die, they can block the hole.
Jim
Ok, I just dropped her in. That's all I knew to do! I don't think they were attacking the cage. They sure were all over it when I pulled it out.