Guilfordbeekeepers.org

Hi Guys and Gals,

OK so we got our bees last Sunday like everyone else put them in their hive and they took to it like it was made for them. So far so good.

Now we went away for the weekend came home this Sunday first things first go check on the girls, saw about a tablespoon full of bees on the ground under the hive bent down to inspect them only to find the marked queen inside the ball so I picked her up and put her on the front porch then she walked back in the hive.

Checked the hive this morning they have drown out 4 hand sized combs and appear to bee happy didn't see the queen but we didn't look all that hard either.

Do we have anything to be concerned over with the queen on the ground thing? Or was it just dumb luck that we spotted this strange occurrence?

Thanks

Mike Wilson

That is unusual, and you did the right thing. I would keep an eye on the outside of the hive when the bees are flying. See if some of the foragers are continuing to bring in pollen. That would indicate that there are eggs and probably larvae that they are feeding. In about 4 days, you may want to go in and have a look. If you see her and you see eggs/larvae, all is probably o.k. If you see queen cells, do not damage them. They may be in the process of replacing her. That happens some times.

Thanks Robert,

So far they look happy lots of comings and goings some bringing home pollen still using up the sugar water, I may have a look inside this weekend. Is morning considered the best time to go in? Before they get stirred up.

Thanks again for your help.

Mike

The best time is 60°F or warmer, sunny with little or no wind.