Weird swarming

[dhudson]

Had my bees swarm about 10 yds from the hive.  Hung in the tree for about three hours and then went back into hive.  I figured it was a virgin queen's mating flight and figured myself lucky.  It has been almost three weeks and when I checked the hive is was completely empty of any brood....tons of drones and no new queens being made.  I ordered a new queen but am worried the hive will be completely gone as soon as they finish off the capped honey inside.

[JP]

Would need to know how many workers are left in the hive? If less than 1.5 lbs I would either place them in a nuc with the new queen or order another package. If you have an association nearby perhaps one of the members would be willing to shake you a package if in fact you need the extra numbers.


...JP