Checked my 2 year old hives for the first time in a month yesterday - it had been so long since a clear weekend, I took the day off to check on them.
One hive good and progressing - the second hive PACKED with bees (never seen so many) and also, sadly, 6-10 queen cells throughout. Never seen a hive ready to swarm, but signs are overwhelming even to a novice like me.
Here's the inevitable list of questions for you guys: : )
Is there anything I can do other than watch and wait with a nuc ready to go out swarm hunting?
Should I try to split the hive before the swarm? Take the queen and some frames to the nuc but leave the queen cells?
Should I leave the hive alone until it swarms, or is inspecting it again this weekend ok?
Should I put a super on top? (The hive's ready for it, if the it wasn't about to swarm. : )
Should I feed the absconded hive after the swarm?
Again, it’s wonderful to have the “beemaster” community here – it’s an awesome resource.
Thanks in advance!
-Craig