Got two packages hived in yesterday morning, have queen excluders on for now to try to prevent absconding. They have frame feeders with syrup, and seem to be settling in ---- I put in two drawn frames with a good 'old' scent to them. Added a touch of LGO to the box as well.
I don't want to bother them at all for several days. Queens were great and direct released after several days with their bees.
Questions i have are:
1. How soon is it safe to remove the excluders so the drones can fly, and dead taken out easier, etc. I really don't want to risk them absconding.
2. They are ( this is the second morning after hiving ) mostly flying around the hives, I am presuming orientating but its more than that, just tons of activity at the bottom entrances and flying above the hives -- Ive seen some of them in the yard but most are around the hives. I am guessing they are just getting acclimated?
Thanks in advance!