Ok, so I checked the hives today and the queen cages were vacant (three full days after install). Good news! Right? I just spread the frames enough to remove the cages then pushed them back together nice and slowly, added more syrup to the top feeders and buttoned them up. I know... I'm trying to be patient about removing frames and looking for her majesty.
I have the entrance reducer open to the smallest hole thinking I need to limit the flow of bees and reduce the risk of robbing. There are some full frames of honey in the single deep boxes.
Right now my immediate concern is when is an appropriate time to turn the reducer to the larger opening and/or remove it completely? Secondly, do I wait seven or ten days from the time the queen is released to inspect for eggs and larvae? I am trying to be patient here.
Thanks for the advice.
I have the entrance reducer open to the smallest hole thinking I need to limit the flow of bees and reduce the risk of robbing. There are some full frames of honey in the single deep boxes.
Right now my immediate concern is when is an appropriate time to turn the reducer to the larger opening and/or remove it completely? Secondly, do I wait seven or ten days from the time the queen is released to inspect for eggs and larvae? I am trying to be patient here.
Thanks for the advice.