when to requeen?

[Miss Pepper]

When I did my first inspection of the year about a month ago, I saw that I need to replace my queen.  I know I have one (though didn't try to locate her), but her laying pattern is very spotty.  When should I replace her and how long should I let them remain queenless?

Does anyone have any ideas of who to order a queen from? (I'm in Washington State)  I got my hive from Georgia, but I don't know if it's ok to order a queen from across the country.  Ideas?

[Brian D. Bray]

When I did my first inspection of the year about a month ago, I saw that I need to replace my queen.  I know I have one (though didn't try to locate her), but her laying pattern is very spotty.  When should I replace her and how long should I let them remain queenless?

Does anyone have any ideas of who to order a queen from? (I'm in Washington State)  I got my hive from Georgia, but I don't know if it's ok to order a queen from across the country.  Ideas?

Try Olympic Wilderness Apiary in Port Angeles.  He has Russian/Survivor stock.  He next days them every thursday starting in late May I think.  I've gotten some and like them.  The other nice thing is they are aclimated locally as well as mite resistant.

[KONASDAD]

It might be spotty because its early in season.

[Miss Pepper]

So should I wait to replace her until next month?

Are you saying that her laying could get better as Spring progresses?

Some people say that it's a good idea to requeen every year, even if the queen looks fine.  Do you think that's a good idea or should I just let her be if her brood pattern gets better?

(sorry for all the questions!  Requeening is an aspect of beekeeping that I don't know much about)

[Kathyp]

my brood patterns are all spotty.  i think it's the weather.  we are still in the 30's at night and rain, rain, rain.

[Michael Bush]

If the bees agreed with your assessment, odds are they would have already replaced her.