Lost Queen

S.M.N.Bee · April 06, 2011, 04:11:43 PM

Please help - Inspected the hive today. Top to bottom. No queen,eggs or brood. Still a lot of bees. Checked with the local bee supply and no queen available until May first!!!

Does any one know were I can get a queen this time of year?

Thanks
John

Kathyp · April 06, 2011, 04:40:52 PM

this is your only hive? do you know any other beekeepers?

organicfarmer · April 06, 2011, 10:29:33 PM

Kathy asks that because you can give that hive a frame with eggs and young larvae and you should be in business; they'll raise a new queen (unless you already have a laying worker). Get that frame from another hive, yours or a neighbor's.

S.M.N.Bee · April 07, 2011, 05:48:56 AM

Kathy

Sorry to say this is probably not an option for me. I have two neighbors and they both lost all there hives. Go figure!! I did talk with another bee keeper that lives a ways away and we are trying to work something out.

If i get a frame of eggs and brood and they raise a queen will the lack of drones in my area be an issue? I have none in my hive.

Thanks
John

indypartridge · April 07, 2011, 08:34:20 AM

Quote from: S.M.N.Bee on April 07, 2011, 05:48:56 AM
If i get a frame of eggs and brood and they raise a queen will the lack of drones in my area be an issue?

Very likely. As far north as you are, you may not have sufficient drones yet for mating. Your best bet may be ordering a southern queen.

lenape13 · April 07, 2011, 12:25:01 PM

Try Walter Kelley (www.kelleybees.com) . They had some last week and managed to get my 4 out to me. If you only need one, they may be able to help you.

S.M.N.Bee · April 07, 2011, 03:23:27 PM

Thanks

I will give Kelley's a call

John