[Splatt]

This is a follow-on to a previous post, where I bemoaned the fact that I thought I had a laying worker hive. I opened it up again this morning and took the following photos. One is of eggs laid in worker-size cells, the other of drone-size cells. Some were near the bottom, some on the bottom and sides, some closely spaced, some widely spaced. I also saw cells with larvae and eggs in them, and in one cell I counted seven eggs.

Here are the worker sized cells:


And here are the drone:


The verdict?

 

[kenargo]

Multiple eggs in a cell are indications you likely have a laying worker, yes.

 

[Saltybee]

Did not see prior post so missing much info. You likely have laying workers, true. Depending on what you have done to cure that, the eggs correctly standing on the bottom of worker cells indicate queen also is there.

Proceed based on total picture.

 

[Splatt]

Did not see prior post so missing much info. You likely have laying workers, true. Depending on what you have done to cure that, the eggs correctly standing on the bottom of worker cells indicate queen also is there.

Proceed based on total picture.

Thanks. I was a little confused as some worker cells had only one egg, while others had more than one. I only just discovered the situation a few days ago, so haven't done much. Following a suggestion from the previous thread, this morning I put a brood frame from my queenright hive into this one. I'll put another brood frame in again next week (and the following week), and when I do I'll see how the situation has changed.

 

[Saltybee]

Next week, see what has become of this weeks larva.

 

[G3farms]

Is this a new queen? Sometimes it takes her several days to figure things out, remember she is also new at this. I have seen an older queen run out of room and do this also. Is there plenty of room (empty comb) for her to lay in?


It really looks like a newly started laying queen.

 

[KQ6AR]

Does you're hive have a new queen. Most of the eggs are laid in the bottom where a worker can't reach. A new queen getting started can do this for a few days. Check in a few days before making the call.

 

[Splatt]

Thanks, all!

 

[$Simpleman76]

i think you have a young excited queen, check again next week. Worker bees are unable to lay eggs in bottom of cells due their abdomens being too short.

 

[Zbee]

I tend to agree with the folks suggesting a new queen vs. laying worker problem. Saw the exact same thing as your pics on my new hives/queen starts from packages. She was just a bit excited and within a week, started to see normal laying patterns. My understanding of laying worker is a mess of eggs in cells, not reaching the bottom. This looks more like a few eggs at the bottom.

Might have a laying worker too but she will probably be be policed once the smell of brood gets them on track again.