Two clusters in new hive

[beehugger]

Hi All,
This is my first time trying a top bar hive. I just installed a package on Saturday into a new hive. I attached a small amount of comb to from one of my Lang's that I was experimenting with a frame with no foundation. (it's the 2nd bar in if that matters) When I looked through the observation window this morning I see two clusters of bees, one at the front of the hive where the comb is, and one at the back by the follower board (10 frames in.) I just want to know if this is normal. It makes me wonder if I have two queens and they are peacefully sharing space. I expected them to all be in one cluster together.

[Greensasquatch]

Mine did the same thing when I installed from a nuc, by the end of the second day when I checked on them they had all clustered together near the entrance.

DSCF6419.jpg

[beehugger]

Good to know. Thanks!

[cpm]

Where did you put the queen cage?
Can you seen any festooning and comb building near the follower board?

[beehugger]

Originally I had her on the 2nd bar with the comb, but I released her on Sunday. (compromising between Michael Bush's immediate release advice and the "normal" 3 day wait)
I don't see any festooning or comb building with either cluster but they are really in the way to be able to see much.
I tried to take a pic but the glare on the window is pretty bad.

[beehugger]

Ok, 4 weeks later and I have another question. The two clusters finally joined up into one about a week later, but it was the front cluster joining with the back. I have 9 very nice combs back by the follower board, and 4 smaller ones they left at the front with two empty bars as well. From everything I've read, the brood should comb should be nearer to the front. Should I push the back bars closer to the front and move the empty front comb to the back, or should I figure they know what they are doing and leave them alone? I don't know why the second cluster started at the back and came forward instead of the other way around.