I have a hive that is not doing well. I worried about how they were lagging a few weeks ago. I found the queen and I almost killed her then but decided to give her more time. I have never had to do this so I was probably more reluctant than I should have been.
Today, there are no eggs or larvae anywhere. A few queen cells and cups are empty. I looked for her but not real hard - it was late in the day.
Now, I caught a swarm a few weeks ago but apparently did not get their queen. I took frames of eggs from some of my best hives and added them. Yesterday I counted over 20 queen cells (most capped) spread over 3 frames.
Here comes the question part. I hate to waste all of these queen cells, especially from good stock. How risky is it to just move a few cells to the poor hive without confirming that the queen is dead? Will she kill them if she is still in there? They are capped so I don't have much time.
Suggestions?
Today, there are no eggs or larvae anywhere. A few queen cells and cups are empty. I looked for her but not real hard - it was late in the day.
Now, I caught a swarm a few weeks ago but apparently did not get their queen. I took frames of eggs from some of my best hives and added them. Yesterday I counted over 20 queen cells (most capped) spread over 3 frames.
Here comes the question part. I hate to waste all of these queen cells, especially from good stock. How risky is it to just move a few cells to the poor hive without confirming that the queen is dead? Will she kill them if she is still in there? They are capped so I don't have much time.
Suggestions?