[beeup]

Checked on one of my packages and noticed capped queen cell. Found queen and she is really small with not very consistent brood pattern. Should I let nature take its course or buy a queen?

 

[Colobee]

That's a toss up.

 

[burns375]

That's a toss up.

I would let the bees replace her if you know of other hives around. Easy simple, the bees get what they want. If all else fails buy one.

You could also give them a frame of emerging brood from another hive if the population is low from her poor egg-laying.

Superceder in packages is somewhat common when the population mix of bees is towards the older age or drone heavy. They start off good but can decline quickly after 3 weeks until new brood begins to emerge.

 

[Colobee]

You nailed it!

 

[Roland]

Equalize open brood from your other hives to keep the bees in that hive busy with brood. They will need help to keep up with the "good" queens.

Crazy Roland