observation hive and new queens

[kathyp]

in one of my bulk buys, i got a small (2 frame) observation hive.  i want to do some splits this year and let them raise their own queens.  i was thinking that it might be interesting and also speed things up, if i snagged a couple of early frames of brood out for the observation hive and let them raise the queens in that.  i could watch and take queen cells out knowing the age of the cell and make my splits accordingly.

this would be 1. educational and 2. keep me from having to take more brood frames than i need from my donor hives.

?  if i wire almost mature queen cells into my splits will the workers that i add recognize that they have a queen coming and be ok with that, or do they need other brood as well to keep them happy?

[Michael Bush]

I would give any split some brood to anchor them to the hive.  Otherwise they may abscond and move in with some queenright hive.

[Cindi]

Kathy, oooh, sounds like you are going to have some fun this year, yea!!!  Good for you.  What Michael was saying about the brood, believe that, true.  When house bees have brood to tend, they do not abandon this most important job, this is their biggest and most important job in the world, to raise their baby sisters and brothers.  Bees do not abandon brood. Good luck and have fun with this, I know that you will.  Have a wonderful day.  Cindi

[kathyp]

i may have to rethink what i am planning.  i still want to to do the observation hive and i still want to raise some queens in it.  how i do the splits will depend on how strong the hives are after winter, i guess.  whatever happens, it should be fun!

[KONASDAD]

Would there be enough drones for your early queens? Observation hive is on the to do list. Enjoy it!

[kathyp]

good point on the timing.  so...i'll need some brood and i'll have to watch for drones.  early splits was less the point than saving brood from the other hives.  i think i can do this as long as i have good splits with queens before blackberry bloom.  i'll try to remember to keep you all posted and take pictures.      thanks for the insights!