In message <[log in to unmask]>, Charles Harper
<[log in to unmask]> writes
>We are cutting fine lines that the bees will not cut.
>Bees consider ALL Supersedures Emergency.
I am surprised at this view. I had a colony last year that was showing a
lower than expected mite count which produced one classic supersedure
cell: in the middle, proud and large and sealed. Taking the view that
they would make more if they wanted, I made up a nuc from the frame and
cell and she's doing fine. Mum carried on without laying up any further
queen cells and went into the winter strong. We do have the occasional
2-queen colonies coming from supersedure and we do have evidence of
sister-sister compatibility in our bees (I have not seen it, but I have
had mother-daughter colonies continue for a while like that). Perhaps
this was one, where mum would continue for a while. I will confirm this
quite soon of course, as soon as I can get myself out.

Previously I have had several colonies with only 1 or 2 cells and I have
reared from these cells: in only one case did the colonies rear further
queens (this one did supersede), so this is not the first time.
--
James Kilty

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