How long can capped brood live out of hive

[Nantom670]

I helped a friend clean his hive out yesterday, it was in the mid 60's and had to remove some capped brood combs and would say it was outside for maybe 1 1/2 to 2 hours. Put it in an empty super and they are working it pretty good and the comb looks dry. First time doing this and am wondering if there is a way to tell if they are dead. Would I be better off taking them out and melting the comb? They are several years old and brown. Thanks

[Littlestinger]

If they are dead the bees will clean it out. I would leave it in the hive and leave it alone.

[Nantom670]

So as long as they are capped, they may still be alive then? Thanks

[sqkcrk]

What took that long? If bees weren't covering it keeping it warm you may see some larvae at the entrance or in the grass in front of the hive.

[Nantom670]

We had to take the hive apart, it was loaded with bees and had to reworked the 3 deep brood boxes and then I had to drive home and then put the comb in some frames and that took a while, I am thinking more trouble than it is worth.

[sqkcrk]

Long drive home?