Eariler I described my escapade of catching my
first swarm on 6/2/96. Last Sunday a week after
installing I could find not eggs or larvae so I moved a
frame with larvae and eggs from my strongest hive into
the hive. Last night on inspecting the colony I still
found no egss and just a few larvae on the frame that I
moved. Almost all the larvae is now capped. What I did
find is 6 swarm cells (along the bottom) on the frame I
moved in!
 
        I assume that the queen didn't survive my swarm
catching escapade (overheated maybe), or that the bees
swarmed again way back on june 3rd or 4th. I suspect
they swarmed, it seems that there were alot fewer bees
out and about by day 3. Also initially they took alot
more syrup than they are now. I thought they were busy
drawing comb and collecting nectar when I didn't see as
many.
 
        The swarm was placed in a hive with foundation
only and no uncapped brood. If it swarmed  is it
possible that 1/3 of the bees stayed behind?
 
        What is the correct course of action regarding
the swarm cells and hive? I assume the bees are just
making a new queen and not preparing to swarm. If so I
plan to continue feeding and treat this hive like my
package hives. Will they get to far behind waiting for
the new queen to get laying and not be strong enough to
survive the winter?
 
        Would I and the bees be better served to just
make up a 4 frame nuc for a standby queen, placing the
remaining bees with my weaker hive? I have a double
screen and can slap together a four frame quick enough.
If so can anyone recommend a course of action?
 
        Thanks, I appreciate any advice. As a beginner
I feel overwhelmed and in awe of the bees, but also
like I may be over-manipulating things a bit. It sure
is a great pastime!
 
        Jim Moore
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