View Full Version : Queenless hive
aschueler
07-01-2012, 03:49 PM
This was a total surprise to me. Honestly, I haven't inspected my hives in about 4-5 weeks, as the last inspection showed them bustling and healthy. We just got back into town yesterday, and I did a fairly thorough inspection of my two hives today. My strongest hive had absolutely no eggs or larva, and there were about 6 or so queen cups I noticed. At least one was defintely open. I am still too new to spot an unmarked queen in that mess of activity, so I really don't know if I have a new one or not.
What I think I should do is check for eggs/larva next week and if there are none, then order a new queen. If they are available. Or should I order one now before I run out of workers?
Beregondo
07-01-2012, 07:45 PM
Look at the empty queen cells in the hive.
Look to see if the empty cell only has a hole in the end of the tip, or if it has a hole in the side.
If there is only a hole in the tip, a queen emerged from it.
If there is only a hole or holes anywhere in the side or near the base where it attaches to the comb, the queen in that cell was killed and did not emerge alive.
If any of the cells have a hole in the tip only, wait two weeks and check for eggs / brood. If there is none, wait another week and check again. There there are no egg or brood, then it is queenless and you need a new queen.
Michael Bush
07-02-2012, 01:53 PM
If you are sure a queen has emerged I would not expect to see eggs for another two to three weeks.
aschueler
07-02-2012, 06:22 PM
I am NOT sure a queen emerged. However, one of those queen cups was surely open at the end. Sigh. So, the question remains....this is a first year package hive. Will I lose more by ordering a new queen that I may not need, or waiting and possibly failing?
Michael Bush
07-03-2012, 08:22 AM
>I am NOT sure a queen emerged.
Do this and sleep well...
http://www.bushfarms.com/beespanacea.htm
aschueler
07-03-2012, 09:26 AM
Fascinating. I am going to do that very thing, as the other hive has plenty of brood.
If you could cure my kid's cold, then I really will sleep well. (yes I tried honey last night, it helped a little but still up a lot)