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I got to help with a colony removal from a tree that was slated for removal. The colony has been in the tree for at least several years but was half a block from the elementary school and right next to the side walk. So it was determined it would have to be removed. I was told I could have the bees. I went with 2 experienced beekeepers one of whom had a bee vac.
We vacuumed bees at the entrance for a while and then I opened the tree up with a chain saw a little at a time.
We went very slow and removed and tied in as much brood comb as possible. A total of 16 frames of comb were tied into 2 8 frame mediums. The bees were vacuumed into an 8 frame deep. Despite our best efforts we never did see the queen. I am doubtful that the queen made it thru the vacuum unscathed. My best hope is the eggs in the comb, but the worry there is that it was only about 60-65 degrees and the comb was exposed for about 2 hours before we could put the bees in the boxes to cover the comb. By exposed I mean the comb was cut out and tied into frames very quickly within a minute or two, but then it was placed in a medium box and covered. It was left that way until we had finished vacuuming and could put the deep under the 2 mediums.
The bees were very calm and gentle through out the whole removal.
Once the deep had been set under the 2 boxes of drawn in comb, we vacuumed more bees into another medium. That is why the hive has a deep and 3 mediums. Tomorrow I will remove the top medium.
Should I feed them?
For those who have experience with cut outs, what are my chances of getting a queen from the salvaged comb?
I have 2 nucs comming on the 19th so worst case scenario i can requeen this colony with oner of the nucs. however, I REALLY want to keep these genetics.
Thanks

We vacuumed bees at the entrance for a while and then I opened the tree up with a chain saw a little at a time.


We went very slow and removed and tied in as much brood comb as possible. A total of 16 frames of comb were tied into 2 8 frame mediums. The bees were vacuumed into an 8 frame deep. Despite our best efforts we never did see the queen. I am doubtful that the queen made it thru the vacuum unscathed. My best hope is the eggs in the comb, but the worry there is that it was only about 60-65 degrees and the comb was exposed for about 2 hours before we could put the bees in the boxes to cover the comb. By exposed I mean the comb was cut out and tied into frames very quickly within a minute or two, but then it was placed in a medium box and covered. It was left that way until we had finished vacuuming and could put the deep under the 2 mediums.

The bees were very calm and gentle through out the whole removal.
Once the deep had been set under the 2 boxes of drawn in comb, we vacuumed more bees into another medium. That is why the hive has a deep and 3 mediums. Tomorrow I will remove the top medium.
Should I feed them?
For those who have experience with cut outs, what are my chances of getting a queen from the salvaged comb?
I have 2 nucs comming on the 19th so worst case scenario i can requeen this colony with oner of the nucs. however, I REALLY want to keep these genetics.
Thanks