"Play cells?"
A week ago when we checked a hive we started late this spring, we found
a peanut-like protuberance we think was a queen cell.  This hive was
very active, but still had plenty of frames to draw comb in, so there
was no reason for swarming.  We couldn't find the queen (maybe she
recently died?) but there was  a lot of new, well laid brood.
 
So what is a play cell?
 
>----------
>From:  j h & e mcadam[SMTP:[log in to unmask]]
>Sent:  Tuesday, July 01, 1997 8:03 AM
>To:    [log in to unmask]
>Subject:       Re: Hived swarm
>
>>I hived my first swarm 10 days ago onto foundation. Found the queen a day
>>later. Did a quick inspection yesterday, Bees drawing comb nicely, no
>>eggs or larvae yet, but I was surprised to see two 'play cell' queen
>>cells.
>>
>>Is this normal, or is it that I got a virgin queen and she hasn't mated
>>yet, but why the started queen cells ?
>
>Hived swarms will normally start the queen laying within 3 days if there is
>a good nectar flow, as is usual during swarming season.  If you do not have
>eggs after 10 days I would suspect the queen needs replacement.  Mating
>flights occur from 3 to 8 days after emerging and if the queen does not
>start laying shortly thereafter I understand she is unable to lay due to
>spermal fluid (?) setting hard in the egg laying apparatus.   A virgin queen
>will be short and extremely active on the combs.  A laying queen,
>particularly a mature queen, moves deliberately and may have a tattered
>appearance.  I recommend requeening with a queen of the desired species from
>a reputable breeder, before the hive loses too much strength.
>
>Betty McAdam
>HOG BAY APIARY
>Penneshaw, Kangaroo Island
>j.h. & e. mcadam<[log in to unmask]
>http://kigateway.eastend.com.au/hogbay/hogbay1.htm
>