Started my first trapout July 11th. Removed one nuc of bees and brought them home. Replaced it with a double-nuc. Put in a frame of eggs and brood. About a week to ten days ago, there were 3 queen cells in there. Went to check on it today and it was FULL of bees! But, I couldn't find a queen (which doesn't surprise me as crowded as it was) and there was no eggs or brood. I think it is still too soon for a laying queen. I think I can remove the cone to let the bees start robbing out the honey from the old hive on Friday. My question is; does it matter if they are still queenless or have a virgin queen? The last thing I need is for them to go back into the old hive if they are queenless. I am going to put in another frame with brood and eggs when I go back on Friday, just to be sure. Also, about how long does it take for them to clean out the old hive so I can bring them home?
Thanks for your input!