Hello friends,
Building on the split discussion my
question is, how long should it take
for a hive to build a population after 
making a split? I can think of many
variables such as queen vigor, time 
of year, weather conditions etc. but
the split I did on April 29 seems to be
growing very slow.
Because I'm a new beekeeper I don't
have any "drawn" comb (except in
my other hive) so they have been
faced with a lot of work. Could the
queen not have enough drawn cells
to lay in? I find it hard to tell because
I still have trouble seeing "eggs". I
have good eyesight and hold the 
frame to the sun, but I'm doing
something wrong.
I planned to swap positions between
the two hives but every chance I
have it's raining (like it is now).
This leads to the only problem I'm
aware of in the hive. It has chalkbrood.
I find a few (2-4) "mummies" on every
visit. I have been told it should clear-up
on it's own, but this is our humid/rainy
season. Being a fungus I'm sure
this isn't helping.
As always, any suggestions are
appriciated.

Attn: Bud,
The generosity of your offer is incredible!
I must be "living right" to have the good
fortune of you as a neighbor. But I think
at this point that would be a bigger step
than I should take. I'm all for "digging in"
but think a little more experience is 
needed. If you ever want a "tag-along"
please contact me! I would do all I can
to help, (including, staying out of the way)
and learning from someone with your
experience would be an treat.
Feel free to contact me privately.
Oh-yea, lunch is on me.
Thanks,
Ed Parker
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