I discovered many swarm cells in one of my hives today. There were probably
a dozen on each of five frames. I destroyed those on a couple of frames,
but quit when I realized how many there were.
 
So, I have 3 frames, each with 2-4 swarm cells. The cells haven't been
capped, but contain larvae floating in royal jelly.
 
Here's the question: Can I use these frames to make three splits,
effectively dividing this colony into 3-4 hives? I know I won't get much
honey from any of them this spring, but I'm interested in increase anyway.
Besides, with this many swarm cells, these ladies look pretty serious about
dividing themselves.
 
If I do split them up into nucs, should I destroy all but one swarm cell in
each, or leave them all for insurance and let the new queens sort it out in
each hive?
 
Finally, When do I do this? As I say, the cells aren't yet capped, but I
seem to recal reading the a swarm normally issues just as the swarm cells
are capped. Should I do it now?, will the new hives have enough nurses to
carry the queens through to full maturity?
 
Thanks for your help
 
Greg
 
____________________________________________________
Greg Hankins                       Mt. Gilead, NC
[log in to unmask]