I checked 2 of my hives today... the hive that swarmed and the hive it swarmed from... No brood in either, could not find queens... did see queen cells in both. Where is the fastest place I can order (2) mated queens?
Re: Need mated queens But if she don't make it, he replaces it. Not only that, but he doesn't treat for mites and hasn't for many years. His queens are quite resistant. Not only that, but if you go and pick her up, you will receive a hundred dollars worth of information. You won't find a more knowledgeable or friendlier guy.
Re: Need mated queens Could I with (2) of the weeker hives I have combine them? ...I am looking for other options, my budget is a little tight at the moment. (the other hives are all with Russian queens) ...thank you in advance for any suggestions.
Re: Need mated queens You can combine, or you can take a frame of eggs and larva from one or two of the russian hives and add to the weak ones. It will boost their numbers and if they are queenless, they will raise a russian queen.
Re: Need mated queens okay with the newspaper, do I need to overlap and if so by how much? I spray them all down with sugar water (both boxes, would this be lightly or not at all?) also with the box I am adding do I leave an opening at the top so they do not roast or as a normal 2 deep have would be setup? sorry to be such a pain... thank you for all your help! Paul
Re: Need mated queens the 2 colonies can't make direct contact between each other until they have chewed through the newspaper, with a nail poke a few holes in the paper, and probably not a bad idea to use sugar syrup. as for a upper entrance invert the inner cover, and use the opening ( notch in rim ) or shim the inner cover up a bit, be care full about creating a contidtion for robbing you know stronger colonies if they think they can will rob a weaker colony. My papi told me the only stupid question is the one not asked.
Re: Need mated queens How long does it take for the 2 booxes to merge? Do I overlap the newspaper to prevent an opening? How aften should I check back on the hives? Does iot matter the time of day? Will the foraging bees drift to one of the other hives?
Re: Need mated queens The newspaper is larger than the hive top. It won't leave a gap. They will be together within a few hours. Most all of the paper will be gone within 24 hours. I slit the paper once, but have never left an upper entrance. Many beeks slit two or three times amd leave an upper entrance. Both seem to work. Do it anytime of the day. The bees will adjust. You can check them the next day if you want.
Re: Need mated queens Thank you guys for your help... I tend to worry a bit when I do something for the 1st time...
