[dogsoldier13]

is this a sign of swarming

click link for bigger pic

http://i653.photobucket.com/albums/uu25 ... ive001.jpg

 

[Iddee]

Why would it be?

If I am seeing it right, it is a partially drawn frame of comb. I cannot get it to enlarge so I can see it better. If that is all it is, it is likely it was a weak or new hive that didn't get it drawn before the flow stopped. They will not draw comb when there is no flow on.

It could also be a newly installed hive and the queen didn't like the quarters, so she absconded.

 

[dogsoldier13]

the queen was clipped and this was from the hive that i lost

 

[Iddee]

I would need to know more.

When were they installed?
Was it a nuc or package.
Were the dead bees still there, and how many?
Was there honey and pollen left?
Had you harvested any honey?
Had you added foundation in summer or fall?

All these things can effect why a partial comb can exist.

 

[dogsoldier13]

I would need to know more.

When were they installed? =mid april
Was it a nuc or package. = package
Were the dead bees still there, and how many? = about 50 percent

Was there honey and pollen left? = 2 weeks before i discovered they were dead there was
Had you harvested any honey? = no
Had you added foundation in summer or fall?= no

All these things can effect why a partial comb can exist.

 

[Iddee]

I would think they just failed to gather enough stores and produce enough new bees to make it through the winter. It normally takes about 7 frames of pure capped honey to get a hive through a winter in NC. Of course, that will vary greatly, as do our winters.

My best guess is either a poor queen or a poor honeyflow, caused by a lack of blooms or a lack of sunny, dry weather in which to gather it.

 

[dogsoldier13]

thanks for the input