Like I said, rookie here starting my first hive. So, ordered a package of Russian Hybrids and it arrived April 29th and installed that evening. We had 3 days of unusual cold and it struggled to get above 50 during the day, dropped into the low 40's at night so basically no activity during that time. Weather improved Thursday and Friday I checked the hive and the queen was alive and still in her cage, candy hard as a rock so i released her and put her in.
Last night, there were a bunch of bees gathered on the ground in front of the hive. I moved them around to find the queen in the middle, dead as a door nail. Not sure if she was rejected, starved, or what. But I have a queenless hive now.
Most vendors are out of stock on packages and queens. My original vendor has a replacement queen, but it will not ship until the week of May 13th, which i fear may be too late.
We are supposed to have a lot of rain thru Thursday then another cool down (Mid 60's during the day, 40's at night) and next week looks good so far (Mid 70's, sun, etc...)
Do you think i should get a replacement, or cut my losses and try again next season? Appreciate any advice anyone has. Thank you.
Last night, there were a bunch of bees gathered on the ground in front of the hive. I moved them around to find the queen in the middle, dead as a door nail. Not sure if she was rejected, starved, or what. But I have a queenless hive now.
Most vendors are out of stock on packages and queens. My original vendor has a replacement queen, but it will not ship until the week of May 13th, which i fear may be too late.
We are supposed to have a lot of rain thru Thursday then another cool down (Mid 60's during the day, 40's at night) and next week looks good so far (Mid 70's, sun, etc...)
Do you think i should get a replacement, or cut my losses and try again next season? Appreciate any advice anyone has. Thank you.