Capped Queen Cells, remove them?

EasternShore · August 11, 2008, 06:32:00 PM

These were capped in the last few days(2) several other cups on this frame. Queen is very healthy with a good pattern. This hive is only 3 months old, 2 cutouts combined. 2 Deeps 60% of all frames filled in with brood and capped/uncapped honey.
Suggestions?
I'm not ready to start another hive/nuc as their success is doubtful...or is it?

asprince · August 11, 2008, 07:49:59 PM

Do not destroy the cells. Are the cells on the side of the fame or on the bottom?

Steve

rast · August 11, 2008, 09:37:44 PM

As Steve said, "do not destroy the cells". You may wind up queenless. If they have decided to swarm they will, unless you do something to make them think they have. They also know more than we do about what condition the queen is in.
You need someone more experianced than me with northern bee raising to answer the nuc question.

ArmucheeBee · August 11, 2008, 10:23:41 PM

asprince, explain the significance of the side or bottom for queen cells please. Thanks.

asprince · August 11, 2008, 10:40:09 PM

Generally, cells on the side of the frame are supersedure cells, meaning the hive is planning on replacing their queen for some reason. This is very common with new packages. Again, generally the cells on the bottom are swarm cells. It is very late in the season for swarm cells, but possible. If they are supercedure cells, let them replace her. If they are swam cells, I would split and possibly combine later if needed.

Others with far more experience may have other suggestions.

Steve

EasternShore · August 12, 2008, 07:44:44 AM

They were in the middle...on a peice of random comb from a cut out.

bassman1977 · August 12, 2008, 09:44:51 AM

Sounds like superceding. Queen might have gotten damaged during the cutout.

Ross · August 12, 2008, 10:32:49 AM

Just take the queen and a couple of frames of bees and honey and put her in a nuc. Let the hive raise a new queen from the cells. If the hive fails to make a good queen, you can recombine. Otherwise, you now have a new nuc.

EasternShore · August 12, 2008, 08:11:38 PM

Thanks folks,is it alittle late to start a nuke here in Eastern Maryland ?

contactme_11 · August 12, 2008, 08:23:12 PM

Quote from: EasternShore on August 12, 2008, 08:11:38 PM
Thanks folks,is it alittle late to start a nuke here in Eastern Maryland ?

No, you still have time

EasternShore · August 13, 2008, 08:30:36 PM

Wish me luck...this will make my 3rd hive.....Feel like I'm playing God here.

Did a close inspection...not nearly enuf honey for winter....will try the solid sugar board method and hope for the best.

It's been SOOOO dry here...even my dog is panting at the door.