Absconded

Dave H · May 18, 2010, 10:33:57 PM

Installed two new hives on Sunday, plenty of outside activity on Wednesday. Saturday I checked to see if if the queen was released. She was and she left with every bee in the hive. The puzzling thing is they started to build comb. The weather has been cold and crappy here in Northwest Pa. Could that have been a factor or was it more likely the queen not accepting the hive? Second hive seems fine.

iddee · May 18, 2010, 10:50:50 PM

Were you feeding? If they don't have food, they leave.

riverrat · May 18, 2010, 10:59:12 PM

when hiving a new hive i always reduce the entrance down and put on a feeder. another good way to keep them there is to add a frame of brood if you have a hive you can rob it from

Dave H · May 19, 2010, 09:21:52 PM

Entrance was reduced and they were being feed. I was told it sometimes happens by the company where I bought them.

mdaniels · May 19, 2010, 09:36:41 PM

Dave--am also from NW PA. Can I ask if you are near the lake? And did you get your package from the local association?

WillowPondBees · May 19, 2010, 09:43:14 PM

Ruh roh rorge

VolunteerK9 · May 20, 2010, 11:24:29 AM

Quote from: Dave H on May 19, 2010, 09:21:52 PM
Entrance was reduced and they were being feed. I was told it sometimes happens by the company where I bought them.

I know it happens but it still doesnt take away from the fact that you just had hard earned money fly off into the sunset.

riverrat · May 20, 2010, 04:08:16 PM

this to me is a good example of why i prefer nucs over packages