Does laying worker look like a queen?

[Daisy]

Silly question it seems.

And does capped brood turn darker as it gets older? I've seen light tan and brown.

[BjornBee]

1) No

2) The older the capped brood, the more feet that has walked over it. Meaning darker cappings. This is a good way to determine the age and brood patterns when doing a inspection.

[ChellesBees]

I don't know about the laying worker, they look more like a worker than a queen, but a little bigger I think.

[Daisy]

I can see that two folks have answered my questions, but I can't see them. ;0(

Help

[Daisy]

I see it now.......

Thanks again....

[beegee]

The laying worker may appear a little longer and thicker, but you'll probably never find her. It's hard enough to find the queen most of the time!

If you suspect you have laying workers, you'll find it really difficult to find the queen because she isn't there. What you'll see is scattered brood pattern, all drone brood with the raised caps, big cells. There may be brood in several different frames with no evident plan being enacted. The eggs will be crooked on the sides of the cell or there may be multiple eggs. A single queen's egg is usually planted right in the bottom of the cell and is usually consistent in orientation.

[BjornBee]

When you replace your queen in the future, make sure to order a "marked" queen. This will make it alot easier. With time and experience you will be able to scan the frames and they will be easier to find.

Just a personal thought.... Beekeeping should be rewarding in every degree. This is not directed at you (Daisy) but all beginners. If your going to "learn" from every mistake, there are alot of mistakes to make. If I had to lose a hive or order a queen for every possible mistake out there, I would of quit a long time ago.
Join a county or state club, take a beginners course, and get to know a couple local beekeepers. Beekeeping is not rocket science, but it is very detailed oriented and confidence and knowledge will make this an all-time high for satisfaction.

This past point is repeated from time to time, but every newcomer out there should seek knowledge and support from as many directions as they see fit. Good luck.

[Daisy]

Bejorn, I have joined our local club, and I've been to a hugh bee operation, took the family and watched as they worked the hive. It's was very interesting. I will be going back to work with them, along with my hive tool, gloves and cooler of bottled water. LOL

I have several bee books. And "yes" I do read them. he he he

Unfortunately, the people who are over the club and is our local supplier of bee supplies are very grouchy and they get those "sick looks" on their faces when I ask questions. I'm being very serious. They make me feel like an idiot.

Last time I was there, I stuck my head in the door and said, "are we in a good mood today"? I have grown to dread going there.......I am looking for another place to get my stuff. Sad but true....

I live in an area where people don't have time for others anymore. Especially strangers. We aren't required to register our hives here and we don't have anyone in particular we can call to request a person come out and inspect or instruct us on the condition of our hives.

I'm basically doing this on my own. I Have to hope that folks at places like this can answer my stupid questions.

I saw the queen in this hive I asked about. But it was a split I created in spring. I didn't put in a queen, matter of fact, I didn't put anything in there accept brood and stores. They created their own queen. Well, if that wasn't the queen I saw, but a laying worker bee, then I would have had to unite them back again with another hive.

I'm a goofy older citizen. Very new to this culture. If you'll help me, I promise to help others along my path..

http://www.beesource.com/ubb/wink.gif

Anyway,

[ChellesBees]

Daisy,
What part of the world are you in? I understand the supplier part, because I have met some who were less than helpful too. And then there are the ones who start with "you've gotta do....(apistan, coumaphos, etc.)" But there are lots of nice people out there with bees too. I am only in my third year, and have learned a lot, but have a long way to go. The best thing to do is just keep at it. Have you read all the back posts on here yet?
Mail order is an easy way to get most of your supplies, if the local guy is too cranky.
Hang in there,
Michelle