New to 2 New Hives

[SkepTical]

I am a new beekeeper in the Raleigh, NC area and installed two packages on April 5th. The queens have been released. Yesterday I checked to see if the queens have been laying and in the first hive I have identified larva and eggs but was not able to find the queen. In the second hive I was not able to see and larva but there may have been eggs. One thing I did notice is there is quite a bit of comb built up in both hives and they have been storing up the syrup I have been feeding them or at least I am assuming it's the syrup. I do see pollen coming into the hives as well as pollen stores but not a great amount. Currently both hives are on their first box (8) frames. My first questions are...should I bee feeding pollen patties and how much longer should I continue to feed syrup? Secondly if I do not see any eggs or larva in the second hive what are my options?

[sc-bee]

Care taken when feeding pollen patties in our area of the South during warm months. SHB magnets :(

[TNjohn]

I grew up in Durham. There should be plenty of natural pollen for the bees to collect this time of year. Look for it packed into cells during your next inspection.

[drlonzo]

Your bees sound like they are doing fine.  The bees will bring the syrup you feed into the hive and sorta store it while they are drawing comb.  Are you feeding them 1:1 by poundage?  If you feed them anything stronger they will only store it as honey anyway.  Pollen is in flow here in WV just fine now so in your area it should be in great supply.  No need for pollen patty.  As said before if you do decide to use any, make sure it is only a small amount at a time due to SHB.