Pollen collection

[shakerbeeman]

Hi fellow beekeepers,

I am so excited to have loaded my first two packages into their new homes yesterday. Like a kid I spent some time first thing this morning(more then I should have)observing the hive activity. I noticed that one hive seems to have gone right to work collecting pollen while I see no pollen being brought back to the other. I can't wait to have a peek in anpther day to see if the queens have been released. Could it be that one is just better organized?

A fine day to you all.

[Shizzell]

No assumptions can be made with collections of pollen and such. Well, yes assumptions can be made, but definate answers can't if you don't take a peek inside.

Bees tend to take higher priority over different things. I would let them do their thing - until atleast you find out what actually is happening. Don't worry about it.

Jake

[shakerbeeman]

Thanks Jake,

Tomorrow will be the third day so I guess I am allowed to have a look then. I can see why it may be hellpfull to start with two hives. The comparisons will be educational.

[doak]

I would peek just enough to see if the queens are released. "Too much desturbance too early could be bad".
If the queen has been released, take the queen cage out and close up and give another 7 to 10 days before checking again. Let them get settled in.
I know, we all get the urge to see whats happening.
doak

[Brian D. Bray]

I have 4 packages I set up.  In three of the hives the bees began gathering pollen immediately, and the queens began laying eggs in the comb as it was being built.  In the other hive the bees waited to collect pollen and the queen waited until nearly a full frame was drawn out before she started to lay. 
I've had the hives 2 weeks now and when I checked yesterday all 4 were at the same stage of development. 
Don't worry to much and let the bees be bees.