Chickabee Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 My colony died, after the queen died and the workers didn't produce a new one. It was too late for me to buy a new one. However, I got up this morning to find a very busy hive, a swarm has made it their new home. I do hope they get on well. How long before I check them. Should I let them settle for a few days. Think I need to replace some brood frames Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Ooh, how exciting! I'd leave them for 24 hours and then give them a feed - sometimes they don't stay in the first place they settle, so no point feeding them till you know they're stopping! I have a 'bait hive' up on the garage roof in case of swarms but never had one find it yet. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 There's still some honey stores in there, so hopefully that will keep them there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I am most envious My queen died and so did my bees during the winter (my mentor had given me a nucleus and leant me the kit to get started but sadly the queen failed). He has set me up with a nucleus that over wintered successfully. They are now in a nice new hive. When I said I would return the hive from the dead bees he said to hang on to it just in case.......it's sat in the garden ....he also said after my crash course in swarm collection, I would be on his list to pick up a swarm in my area (but only an easy to reach one). Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Funny you should say that. My neighbour seems to have a swarm in her roof. I'm hoping I've got the queen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 It could a second swarm...can you access the loft and have a look? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 Not sure I'm brave enough. Never dealt with a swarm before. She has had a local beekeeper round before though, so perhaps she could call him in. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 I assume you aren't in Suffolk? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 20, 2014 Author Share Posted May 20, 2014 No I'm in brentwood, would be nice to be in Suffolk though, I love it there Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mrs Webmuppet Posted May 20, 2014 Share Posted May 20, 2014 Oh well if you had been nearer I could have given you a hand with the swarm in the loft. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickabee Posted May 23, 2014 Author Share Posted May 23, 2014 False alarm. The bees were robbing the left over honey. Next door has a swarm, but they are under her roof tiles Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
