Second Swarm after Two Days!

IterMee · May 09, 2017, 09:03:39 PM

Hey guys! I'm new to the forum and to beekeeping. I caught my first swarm on Sunday (two days ago 5/7/2017). Please see pic below:

Now a new swarm has showed up on the same tree (very close to the branch of the previous). Please see pic below:

Now I haven't confirmed that the first swarm had the queen though I believe I got her. I was going to check this weekend. Is it possible that the second swarm is a whole new hive?

iddee · May 09, 2017, 10:36:21 PM

Yes, it is. It is likely a secondary swarm with a virgin queen from the same hive the primary swarm came from. Hive it separately and give her 2 weeks or a bit more to start laying. The first swarm should have eggs the first week.

cao · May 09, 2017, 11:11:22 PM

Welcome.

Nice looking swarms. I caught three from the same tree this year within two weeks of each other. It happens more often than people think.

IterMee · May 09, 2017, 11:27:54 PM

Thanks so much for the info! I will put the second swarm in a separate box (hopefully will spot a queen soon).

I was thinking it may have been the same hive but for some reason these guys were left behind without the queen.

Acebird · May 10, 2017, 08:23:20 AM

It almost looks like there are two swarms in that first picture. Look to see if the population decreased by half in the first swarm you caught.

IterMee · May 10, 2017, 09:45:25 AM

I haven't noticed a decrease in the hive's population. Will definitely keep an eye on that now that you've pointed that out. Thanks!

TxKronik · May 10, 2017, 09:54:51 AM

Awesome 2 free hives

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BeeMaster2 · May 10, 2017, 12:52:24 PM

Welcome.
Nice looking swarms.
Look at the bottom of the swarm. Notice how rounded it looks. That is a good indicator of a queen. If there was no queen, they tend to hang down to a point. If they are really long, they may also be pointed as the bees are too far from the queen to detect her.

I received a call on my way home from work on Monday about a swarm. I call my wife to let her know I would be going right back out the door when I got home.
Her first words were, can I go.

I didn't even get a chance to ask her. Yea.
On the way there, I received an email saying sorry, there was another one 10' up on the roof.

Hived them both.

Jim

IterMee · May 10, 2017, 04:19:59 PM

You guys have been extremely helpful. Every reply I learn something new.

Just installed the second swarm this morning.

Keeping fingers crossed