Lots of drone cells...

[dragonfly]

but also lots of worker cells/brood. I moved the bees into the new hive I built just a little while ago. Wow, their numbers have increased greatly since last year (I estimate up 25-30%:eek:), which is a good thing, but now I'm concerned that they are going to be crowded and swarm, (which isn't a bad thing imo). This is the only hive I have because it was the survivor out of my initial group of 5 hives, following organic treatments, and small cell wasn't really at the forefront 7 years ago, and I'm not in it for the honey or for any business purposes.

So, I know the queen is in there although I didn't see her, because of all the worker cells. The first frame I pulled was full of drone brood and I thought YIKES, laying worker, but alas that was not the case. Good. Now, for the question, I don't mind them swarming, although I saw no queen cells as of yet, but if they are crowded, and I think they will be. I built the hive body to accomodate the usual size of the colony I have, which has remained fairly constant since I've had this hive. If I wanted to make another hive, how would I go about it? I've never made splits or captured swarms, so although I feel comfortable working an established hive, I am not familiar with methods for increases in the bee yard. Any helpful hints or special things I need to be aware of?

BTW, if none of my post makes sense, it's because I had a heat stroke out there a little while ago.;)

[Ross]

Do a search here for "splits", "walk away splits", "nucs", etc. We have been discussing it for years. You can buy queens, or let them make queens.
And what you consider "lots of drones" and what the bees consider lots of drones may be two different things.

[dragonfly]

Thanks. I'll see what I can find and hope I don't screw anything up.:)

[Hambone]

I would do a walk away split.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beessplits.htm

I hear ya on the heat stroke. I emptied everything out of my fridge and I am sitting in it now with my wireless laptop. :)

[dragonfly]

Wow Derek- thanks a million for that link. It was just what I needed, and has some great info. I think you're right on the walk-away split, and I should have everything I need to do it. There were four extra frames of honey that I was just going to set out for them to transfer, but it looks like I can use them for making the split. I think I had better get to putting a hive together.:)

Yes, the heat is pretty miserable. I was out in the sun from 8:30- 10:00 with full gear, rubber boots, and heavy-duty gloves.

[iwombat]

Just saw some numbers on normal drone cell production last night. The study sited said 17% was average among the samples.

That's a lotta drone cells.

[dragonfly]

Just saw some numbers on normal drone cell production last night. The study sited said 17% was average among the samples.

That's a lotta drone cells.

Good. I feel a little better about it now. That's probably about what I am dealing with. It just seemed like a higher percentage than that colony usually has, but since I suspect they have a new queen, that could easily account for the difference.