Guilfordbeekeepers.org

I installed my package 9 days ago. I went in on the 4th day to make sure my queen had been released. She had, and I checked for eggs. I saw 2 eggs (there may have been more), and pollen and nectar in comb. I didn't see the queen ( when I got her I could not see paint on her thorax) - but still learning what to look for. I went back in this afternoon 9th day (I know - probably shouldn't go in that often and will start checking every 2 weeks now unless advised otherwise) to see if there were more eggs. I found a pretty little circle of burr comb about the size of 3 quarters drawn out parallel to the frame with space underneath it and comb being drawn out. I removed it and left it outside for them to recollect the pollen. I saw pollen in cells, nectar, and a small amount of capped comb at the top of one frame (a little larger than a quarter). I looked for eggs, but didn't see them. I did see a supercedure cell at the top of one frame and 2 swarm cells at the bottom of a one frame. I'm suspicious that either my queen isn't there or isn't functioning well. I kept looking for her and finally thought I saw her (but not sure). She was a little larger than workers, not striped on the abdomen, and as I watched her work the cell, she placed abdomen in cell for a few seconds and then pulled out, but I didn't see an egg in cell. I'm using 8 frame mediums and placed another super on top of the one brood box they're in to give more room.
Does it sound like my hive is trying to make a new queen? I didn't remove either the supercedure cells or the swarm. Should I? Advise?

DO NOT remove the queen cells.

I would suggest going to the mentor list and calling one of them to look in your hive with you. I think you need an experienced keep to see what is happening. If you don't know the password to the mentor list, call me or Rob and get it. Or call one of us to look at the hive with you.
Wally

Will do! I do know the password. Thanks!