Two weeks ago a swarm landed in an upside-down flower pot in my neighbor's yard. When I went to transfer them to my Langstroth box yesterday they hadn't started any comb yet, which I found peculiar. They had some wax deposits on the inside walls of the planter and they had been diligent about sealing up any holes. It was a small swarm, so when I transferred it I was able to given them a good look-over for the queen, but did not find her.
So here is (are) my question:
They were very calm and sounded harmonious, which is of course points to them not being queenless... I transferred them to my box, added a frame that had a mix of nectar, sealed honey and brood, and they attacked the honey/nectar as if their life depended on it. Might imply that they did not have enough food to make wax in the first place... The reason I ask the question is that I want to move the hive to my yard, but don't want to do so too early if the virgin queen is still on the road.
What do you guys think?
[This post might fit better in the Swarm section of the forum, but for some reason it doesn't let me post there.]
So here is (are) my question:
- Can the lack of comb indicate queenlessness?
- Is the virgin queen possibly still on her flight and I should give her another week to return? I.e. the colony doesn't feel the need to build comb yet, because there is not laying queen?
They were very calm and sounded harmonious, which is of course points to them not being queenless... I transferred them to my box, added a frame that had a mix of nectar, sealed honey and brood, and they attacked the honey/nectar as if their life depended on it. Might imply that they did not have enough food to make wax in the first place... The reason I ask the question is that I want to move the hive to my yard, but don't want to do so too early if the virgin queen is still on the road.
What do you guys think?
[This post might fit better in the Swarm section of the forum, but for some reason it doesn't let me post there.]