Queen Cells/Cups on End Bars

[Matt Guyrd]

I know there are no "hard and fast" rules when it comes to bees, but thought I would poll the masses to hear what the general consensus might be.

I have a couple of my hives with what I will call queen "cups". Nearly all of these cells are on the end bars and usually about mid-frame. I do have two cells located at bottom corners of the comb, and two hives have one of these cups each on the bottom bar.

The hives are doing well...queen-right, lots of brood, pollen, nectar, capped honey. Low to moderate mite counts.

I know typical swarm cells are on the bottom bar area and emergency/supercedure cells are often in the middle and top half of the comb. Any thoughts on multiple cells on the end-bars?

The cells have been present for at least five days, and likely longer. They have not changed in size (length). There are no detectable eggs or larvae.

Here are a couple of pictures of one of the cells on the bottom corner of a frame, but again nearly all are higher...mid-frame.

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh184/topnotch88_bucket/Beekeeping/Image_662.jpg

http://i256.photobucket.com/albums/hh184/topnotch88_bucket/Beekeeping/Image_663.jpg

Any thoughts on possible swarm preparation or supercedure preparation?

I'll keep an eye on the cells. If I see larvae or beginnings of a capped queen cell(s), I will likely perform a split.

Thanks.
Matt

[jdpro5010]

From what I have gathered, some bees just like to have a couple of these started in the hive. I am assuming as a just in case type deal. I believe some strains seem (russians) to do this more than others. I check for eggs or larvae and if none are present assume everything is normal. If I do notice eggs or larvae then I swing into swarm prevention mode and hope for the best.