I have made 100's of splits without removing the attendants and have had near
perfect success.  I am not sure that you can reliably tell an attendant from
a non-attendant by inspection alone.  They don't wear signs(!) and do blend
in with their other sisters and half-sisters well.  I do not believe that
research has shown that attendants have the same dad and therefore would have
similiar coloration.  Wait 24 hours and hope you have a good queen.  They
will do the rest.

Contact me at:
       Rick Green
       8 Hickory Grove Lane
       Ballston Lake, NY 12019
       (518) 384-2539
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