Beemaster's International Beekeeping Forum

BEEKEEPING LEARNING CENTER => GENERAL BEEKEEPING - MAIN POSTING FORUM. => Topic started by: leechmann on July 11, 2009, 09:33:14 pm

Title: Combining Hives Question.
Post by: leechmann on July 11, 2009, 09:33:14 pm

I caught a swarm approximately 14 days ago. The bees in that hive seem very content, yet I am unable to locate the queen. I am also unable to see any eggs or larva. I'm thinking about combining the swarm hive with another one of my hives that is doing just OK. The swarm hive is in two deep boxes right now, and the hive I'm thinking about combining it with has two deeps and two medium supers on it. The question is, whats the best way to go about this? I've heard about the wet newspaper between the hive boxes but I don't know the particulars. Please explain the process to me.

Thanks

Title: Re: Combining Hives Question.
Post by: JP on July 11, 2009, 09:51:22 pm

If you don't hear the infamous roar when you open the swarm colony you may have a queen that hasn't started laying yet. Not knowing all the particulars I would suggest possibly waiting another week to see if she starts laying.

Combine in a nut shell. Queenright hive on bottom, remove top cover, smoke them down, place one sheet of newspaper over hive, place queenless hive atop, cut slits and spray newspaper lightly with water or sugar water.

If very warm out check the next day to ensure they mixed, don't want the hive on top to bake from intense heat.


...JP

Title: Re: Combining Hives Question.
Post by: leechmann on July 11, 2009, 10:52:35 pm

Thanks JP, I have to say, I've heard all about the roar from everyone about a queenless hive. However, these bees are very quiet and content. They just go about thier business. Makes me wonder if shes in there somewhere and not laying, like you said. It was a pretty good swarm, I'd say 3 to 4 pounds of bees. When I shook most of the bees into the hive, the rest wanted in there, so I'm pretty sure I got the queen when I captured them.

Thanks for your help.

Leechmann

Title: Re: Combining Hives Question.
Post by: TwT on July 11, 2009, 10:56:05 pm

you could have got a swarm with a virgin queen, she would need time to mate and then a while to start laying, I would give her more times also..

Title: Re: Combining Hives Question.
Post by: Kathyp on July 11, 2009, 11:18:35 pm

got a couple of virgins this year.  one took 3+ weeks to get laying.  i was about to give up on her...then...eggs!  got  another that i actually watched running around in there.  lost her probably on mating flight.

you will have to keep a close eye on them, but i agree about giving a little more time.  in the mean time, give them a frame with some eggs and very young larvae.  if they start queen cells, that may answer your question for you.  then you can decide about combining right away.

Title: Re: Combining Hives Question.
Post by: leechmann on July 12, 2009, 01:39:21 am

Thanks Kathy, that sounds like very good advise. I'll give it more time, and maybe a frame of eggs and larva.