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 [log in to unmask]