Small swarm. Stay or Go

[Hemlock]

I have a small swarm that isn't doing anything.  It's very odd to see them in the hive just standing there.  None of the bees are doing anything at all.  They're clustered up just looking at me... :?

I thought i might as well combine them to another nuc to increase the population of the latter nuc.  I'd pinch the queen of the small swarm. 

Suggestions???

[Old Blue]

I had a swarm that I hived behave like that once.  I thought that they were like that because they had lost their queen.  If you can determine if they have a queen, and it turns out that they don't, then I would combine them with a queenright hive.  That way they will have a purpose once again :). 

The swarm that I hived that was like that just kind of wasted away and withered.  I knew a lot less back then and it was sad to see.

[Hemlock]

Old Blue,
They do indeed have a queen.  I didn't mark her though.  Not sure what is going on in there...other than nothing that is.

Thanks

[Old Blue]

Well maybe put a feed bag on em and see if that'll jump start em.

[Old Blue]

Also, ...  give them a frame of brood to take care of if you can spare it.  That will seal the deal and they'll stay for sure.

Old Blue

[annette]

A very small swarm I caught last month was acting like that. I started to feed them and it improved things. I also gave them 2 frames of brood from another hive to up the population. They are doing great now.

[AliciaH]

Hemlock, out of curiosity, how big is the queen?  If it's a small swarm, is it possible its a virgin queen? 

Ditto the food and the brood, that will keep them there if you decide to let them have a go of it.