During my inspection last Sunday, my hive had several new, empty swarm cells. I did not search for the queen, but I did see lots of eggs. Yesterday afternoon (Wednesday), I checked the hive again and the swam cells were still empty, and again I saw plenty of eggs in the brood nest. The rest of the broodnest looks normal.
This is a hive of Carniolans, and is increasing rapidly right now. They have filled two westerns with brood, and have not yet expanded into a 3rd box of empty, foundationless frames.
I've been keeping close track of this hive, and it has not swarmed.
I would like to make a split with this hive, and would like to take advantage of the swarm cells, but I am surprised that the queen has not yet laid in them.
If the bees decide they aren't ready to swarm, will they chew out these cells, or just leave them until later when they might decide to use them?
Do you have any recommendations? I am thinking I might split the hive in a couple weeks anyway, even if the swarm cells don't get populated.
Thanks!