I picked up a swarm, that had started drawing out wild comb, on the limbs they were on. I noticed that there was no brood in any of the 6 combs, which were deep enough for eggs. I placed them in a deep super, with foundation and a feeder. A week later, I inspect, and although there is foundation drawn out deep enough for eggs, but there are none. They have put up a small amount of honey. They are not taking in the sugar water, but the honey flow is starting. I looked through the hive 3 times, and could not locate a queen. I have never heard of a hive working, without a queen. They are bringing in a small amount of pollen, and have drawn out some foundation and made honey, but they are not overly active. Have any of you seen a hive work, without a queen? Oh, I have a queen excluder across the entrance, so the queen could not abscond with the swarm, so the queen should be there.
What is your experience with things like this?
Thanks.
What is your experience with things like this?
Thanks.