I did some splits at my parents house the Sixth . I brought them to my home, after placing them in mating nucs, (Full frame mating nucs). I added robbing scenes, SHB prevention, making sure to do everything right as it is getting later in the season. Most everyone says split heavy this time of season. I did not after taking the other necessary precautions. These should be hatching any time now. I kind of did an experiment on one of these, The frame in which I split had 2 emergency QC, The frame was only 2/3 drawn out with fresh white comb but reinforced with fishing line. This same frame had a little capped brood, and enough honey to take care of the bees that were covering it all. My question; When this queen hatches and makes her mating flight, will most of this small band of bees follow and go with her or, will most stay, waiting for her to return mated? I realize the odds are against this being successful but this is a learning process for me. I figure IF she does make it back successfully I can always add a frame of capped brood to help her out?
Phillip
Phillip,
Some hives send out a swarm of bees to saturate the air, to confuse predators, when the queen goes on her mating flight, many do not. How far they go I do not know.
I watched this happen twice. The first time I sat at the entrance and caught the queen as she exited. I thought they were swarming. I kept her in a queen catcher and put her in a box. The majority of the bees did not follow her into the box. Eventually I released her back I. The original hive. The next time it happened, I just watched. Shortly afte she left, the rest of the bees returned to the hive.
Jim Altmiller
Quote from: sawdstmakr on July 21, 2019, 08:14:36 PM
Phillip,
Some hives send out a swarm of bees to saturate the air, to confuse predators, when the queen goes on her mating flight, many do not. How far they go I do not know.
I watched this happen twice. The first time I sat at the entrance and caught the queen as she exited. I thought they were swarming. I kept her in a queen catcher and put her in a box. The majority of the bees did not follow her into the box. Eventually I released her back I. The original hive. The next time it happened, I just watched. Shortly afte she left, the rest of the bees returned to the hive.
Jim Altmiller
Awesome, Thanks Jim
Phillip
Good info Jim. Thanks