Hi Charlie and all
> My opinion on supersedure queens is as such, in a queen loss the
bees
> select lava of varying ages some too old to be a good queen

I agree that they do this but my understanding is they often hold the
first queen in her cell and keep her there as an insurance policy in
case a later and better queen fails to develop.  I was taught to
squash the oldest queen cells in any case.  However I don't understand
what all this has to do with supersedure queens which develop in
anything but a queen loss situatuation.

> As for selecting
> swarming traits you would have to do so for 25 or more years
> to see any differences in that trait.

The previous keeper of my bees had been selecting against swarming
stock since 1968 and was still careful to avoid the trait last year
when he gave up beekeeping from ill health.  I think he thought he
could undo all his good work very quickly if he dropped his guard.  I
might change my mind as I gain more experience but it seems clear to
me that I am privileged to have obtained this stock and feel honour
bound to continue his work.

Best regards

Steve Rose, 2nd year beekeeper, Derbyshire

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