[Terri]

Wouldn't it be easier to give the queenless hive a frame of eggs and young brood?

 

[[email protected]]

I thought of that but then I have to get all those bees off the frame. That seems like more work but I am pretty new at this. Plus I'm worried since they didn't do anything with the brood they had 3 weeks ago. That's why I love this site, I get all the good ideas from the professionals!

 

[Terri]

Not a professional in my case! I am just starting out.

 

[bjerm2]

You lost the virgin on her mateing flight.

I would take a frame or two from the established hive and let them raise up another one or order a queen express mail. It's getting late in the season to start up a hive and have it ready for winter. It is not difficult to remove the bees from the frame, all you have to do is give them a hard jerk-shake over thier hive. I would do that too if you order another queen.
Dan

 

[Michael Bush]

I'm not clear how long ago any of this took place. If they just swarmed, I'd hesitate to reintroduce her to the hive she came from. First, there is likely a virgin there who hasn't started to lay yet. I woulnd't expect to see eggs or brood for at least two to three weeks after the swarm left. Second, they just need to settle down from the swarm, IMO.

But three weeks after they swarmed and there are no eggs and a search can't find a queen, I would consider it.