Strange Activity

[billdean]

I did a walk away split 17 days ago on this hive. In 17 days it has not brought in any pollen where as 2 other splits have brought in lots. The activity in this hive seems to me to be really strange as apposed to any I have ever seen before. They just congregate at the hive opening as if to block it off. They do come in and go but just seem to fly in front of the hive never really foraging or bring any thing back. There is no fighting or robbing going on. They just seem to want to block entrance from bees leaving more than anything. There were 2 queen cells started and capped when I looked on day 10. I am going to open the hive up possible today when it warms up to see if the queens have emerged an possible add a frame of eggs. Has anyone seen this before?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oRXBiszm4zU&feature=youtu.be

[Barhopper]

Was the one in the video the one that stayed at the original location?

[cao]

I checked on several of my nucs/new splits this weekend.  One that I was worried about was a split with 10 medium frames packed full.  It had much less activity at the entrance then many if my 5 frame nucs.  All was well inside when I looked(even saw the queen).  I assume that since they had lots more stores then my smaller nucs that there wasn't a need for them to go collecting at least til the queen starts laying.  We will see in a week or two.  Hope this helps some.

[Acebird]

May have nothing to do with what you are seeing but if there is no fighting I open the entrance.  Actually I leave the entrance open until I do see fighting even if it is a few bees coming and going.  Spring is not the robbing season.

[billdean]

May have nothing to do with what you are seeing but if there is no fighting I open the entrance.  Actually I leave the entrance open until I do see fighting even if it is a few bees coming and going.  Spring is not the robbing season.

I reduced the entrance for 2 reasons. 1. It a new nuc 2. I am feeding sugar syrup. But I believe your right that I do need to open it up more. The other nuc's I put robbing screens on from the get go. It took them quick some time to figure them out. I have been thinking of taking them off as there is plenty of blooming trees and plants now.