Late season split

Started by Bob Wilson, July 04, 2023, 04:36:45 PM

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Bob Wilson

In middle Georgia, the honey flow is over and dearth reigns in July & August.
Even so, I have a nuc which I specifically want to make queenright.
I added a frame with eggs from another hive.
I pressed down one side edge of some of the cells with eggs because the comb was a little old and stiff.
I still have drones walking on the comb.
The nuc has good resources in spite of it being dearth.
How do virgin queens fair in such situations, assuming she doesn't get eaten on her flight?

Bill Murray

Bob, Im splitting right now. Further south than you. But my queens for those splits are already mated and laying in NUCS. I try and get mine all hatched and mated FEB/Early APR. those are the best queens for me.
I dont particularly care for hot weather queens. Reasons. Laying, temperament, and they dont last/ superseded a lot, and hive survive-ability. I know this sounds strange being as its 98 deg. here today and the flow is over, those girls are still laying like mad. Tons of pollen coming in though.

Oldbeavo

Hi Bob
Add a frame of capped brood to give the nuc plenty of bees. It will also give a heap of young bees to feed the new queen and to tend all the eggs she is going to lay.