In mid-may I found a virgin queen in my one hive that swarmed. I moved it 2 1/2 weeks later to a neighboring farmer's field, and there were no eggs or brood in it then, but the bees were bringing in pollen and acting normal. I did a complete inspection on it two days ago and still saw no eggs or brood. I would think that if this strong hive had been queenless for a month, there woud be laying workers by now. But there were NO eggs in the hive. Out of an abundance of caution, I placed two frames of eggs and young brood into the hive from another hive. I'll be able to check it again and see if there are any queen cells being made.
On the other hand, another hive I moved completely filled the super with honey in a week, but hadn't capped it yet. I'll put another super on (past time, I know), but all I have left are supers of foundation.
-- Kris