[kincade]

Got in my hives today for the first check since winter and found something curious.

My strongest hive last year (2012 carniolan queen) has formerly overwintered in a very small cluster. In the inspection today, they were pitifully weak. Maybe 500 bees, enough to cover 1-2 medium frames. Queen is visible and still marked, and 2 frames with eggs, some with 2-3 eggs in the cell at the bottom. No capped brood.

I've read that sometimes queens can take a bit to get laying and will sometimes lay multiple eggs in each cell when coming out of winter but I've never observed this. I put a frame of eggs and capped brood in the hive from a stronger hive to give them a boost, but I fear that this hive is a goner.

Wondering if anyone here has seen this happen before and resolve well? Interested in any opinions.

 

[Michael Bush]

It's not unusual for a queen to lay multiple eggs, especially when there isn't much room for her to lay yet. It takes bees to raise bees and they probably can't keep up with her.

 

[kincade]

Thanks for the advice michael. I may give them a boost with a 'mini' newspaper combine and see what happens. I really like this hive and would like to give them a chance if possible.