Hard to say what your current population is without a pic. I am thinking from a 10 frame hive? Depending on how low this hive population is, it is better to give a frame of capped brood and a frame of open brood to the q-less hive when the population decreased to 3 frames of bees. Three frames of bees will keep this hive going but might not produce honey for this season.
Of course, the more the better to keep this hive strong during this transition if you want honey. There is a saying that either you
want the bees or the honey.
Of course, the more the better to keep this hive strong during this transition if you want honey. There is a saying that either you
want the bees or the honey.