All new equipment

[roadster]

How long should it take a new (2 LB) package of bees to
fill 7 to 10 frames in new equipment (no drawn foundation)
Joe

[dave56301]

Lots of variables, but I would say you are looking a close to a month before you will be looking at expanding.

[Ben Brewcat]

Hard to say. You feeding them? (Do). Go ahead and check them weekly, see how they're drawing it out. You'll get a feel for colony manipulation while they're young, get to see them doing home construction, and enjoy your only propolis-free season :).

[Brenda]

A 3# package I had last spring drew out the first super in about 1 week. I was shocked when I checked and had to add another super. They were really good. Nice gentle bees, made lots of honey. Too bad I lost them over the winter. :cry:


enjoy your only propolis-free season

Lol, yeah and even by the end of the first season they will have everything stuck down.

[roadster]

I have been feeding them with a top feeder. I hived them the 7th of April.
They are progressing slowly. (from what I have read) There is capped
brood but it looks like drones. I see larva though. Could I have lost the
Queen and now have workers laying? Thanks for your help.
Joe

[Ross]

They are likely just fine. Give her time to get established. Keep feeding. 2# of bees in a 10 frame deep might be spread a little thin. It takes a certain number of bees to cover and warm brood. As the weather warms it gets easier. Starting them in a nuc will give them a head start usually.

[EastSideBuzz]

I have 6 hives. 2 are at 4 weeks and 3 are at 3 weeks. One of my 4 week ones I just added a second deep. There is one 3 week old ones that is getting close.

So the answer would be as said earlier it all depends. I think from everything I have read that 4-5.5 weeks is typical.

[roadster]

Thanks everyone
And Ross I will remember the nuc next time.
That makes good sense
Joe