bees under hive

[Johnny]

Help what's going on with my new swarm?
A swarm moved into one of my swarm hives 2 weeks ago.
They were carrying in pollen last week.
Today I looked at them no activity at entrance so I opened them up for
a look. There is one and a half combs built and 20 bees on them.
50 or so bees dead in the bottom of the hive.
I then noticed some bees inside the 1 inch pipe stand made to support
the hive it looked like the pipe was full of bees and more on the outside of the pipe.
A total of 150 bees maybe were in and around pipe.
No bees flying all hanging around the pipe.
Any ideas anyone?

[BeeMaster2]

Your queen is either gone, most likely, or she is in the pipe, doubtful. Most likely, they absconded and what you are seeing are bees that were out in the field and left behind when the bees left.
Jim

[Blacksheep]

I always lock my swarms in the box for at least 48 hours and then release them and feed them as well!It gives them time to use their honey and wax they are carring with them and queen time to settle down.I have never had one to leave using this method?

[Johnny]

thanks for the responses.
today there were no bees in or around pipe but there were
about a dozen hanging out around entrance but none went
in the hive they all stayed outside. I watched for about 20 minutes.
I think you are right the absconded and all I have left are stragglers.