[Steve in PA]

I have a pair of mating nucs in the same box. Queen shouldn't hatch until tomorrow. I looked today and the foragers are already gathering pollen. I thought they only did that for a mated queen? If I missed a queen on one side I could understand but both are bringing in as much as the few foragers can carry.

Am I mistaken about only bringing it in with mated queens?

 

[RayMarler]

They collect more pollen when there is brood to feed, not necessarily because of a Queen present. Is there open larva in your nucs? Also, when it is plentiful, they sometimes will gather some pollen regardless.

 

[Steve in PA]

Makes sense. I have open brood in there. Thanks.