2nd inspection...

[Hivehead]

Thanx for the input on the first inspection.  I really appreciate it.

QUESTION:  will the queen lay in partially drawn cells and the cells then be drawn up later?

The second inspection showed more new drawn comb plus excellent capped brood with hardly any voids at all.  It seems that 3.5 frames of bees equal 3.5 frames of capped brood.  Took the advice and moved one empty frame to the board and scooted the brood one to the center and will continue this weekly until all frames are drawn. 

All seems well with lots of pollen coming in.  seems about 1/3 pollen to 2/3 nectar from what I can tell.

BTW:  I threw away the long leash...these are free range bees

                                        JOHN

[Brian D. Bray]

Thanx for the input on the first inspection.  I really appreciate it.

QUESTION:  will the queen lay in partially drawn cells and the cells then be drawn up later?

Yes, but this is most usually seen in 2nd or 3rd year queens that have just swarmed.

The second inspection showed more new drawn comb plus excellent capped brood with hardly any voids at all.  It seems that 3.5 frames of bees equal 3.5 frames of capped brood.  Took the advice and moved one empty frame to the board and scooted the brood one to the center and will continue this weekly until all frames are drawn. 

The bees will cover the brood combs, but not necessarily the storage combs.  The bees will build comb as fast as their are bees to cover it meaning the queen won't lay on any comb built as long as their is insufficient bees to cover the brood.  In brood frames every square inch of comb has at least 2 bees in it.  Storage comb that is capped doesn't need tending so you won't necessarily find bees on that comb unless population dictates.  The outer 2 frames of the brood nest are always storage combs, so moving one to one side and inserting an undrawn frame will keep the bees drawing comb.   

All seems well with lots of pollen coming in.  seems about 1/3 pollen to 2/3 nectar from what I can tell.

BTW:  I threw away the long leash...these are free range bees

                                        JOHN

Sounds about right for the brood chamber.  Lots of pollen and nectar are necessary for brood growth.