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Does this look weird to you?




 Nine days after my last inspection, I went back during lunch on Thursday to do a proper inspection of the Beehaus. They seemed calm although the more I progressed, the buzzier they became. As I was going through the frames I spotted some drone, but I think this is normal for this time of year. I even saw a drone hatching out of a cell, which was cool to see.

 But this is where I'm a bit worried, there doesn't seem to be much brood (probably three frames at the most) and what I can see, it looks like drone cells as they are domed shape (as seen above). I'm not sure whether there are eggs or not, as I'm not great at spotting them. I did spot the Queen on the fifth frame from the back so she is there. But is she having issues? Should I be worried? 

 Below are some more pics I took from my visit:
As well as being domed, the brood also seems to be in the corner which is a bit weird too

On this frame the brood seems domed on the bottom right but more normal towards the centre of the frame
At least the bees are bringing pollen in, which is a good sign

There are 11 frames in the Beehaus in total. Only two frames of honey stores though. You can spot the new frames I've put in.

The entrance was busy with bees going in and out. A few foragers were returning with full pollen sacs
 I feel like I need to chat to an experienced beekeeper about this. Thankfully tomorrow I'm off to Compton Verney where I'll meet with just such a beekeeper. I'm a volunteer beekeeper for Compton Verney's first hives and Rod and I are going to do an inspection together. I'm really looking forward to it.... will report back soon.
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  1. Anonymous5 May 2013 at 00:43

    I would be worried. It's not a good brood pattern, and there's a lot of drone brood - if you spotted the queen, I suspect she's become a drone layer. The hive isn't going to be able to raise a new queen themselves, so you need to help them out.

    Your options probably are: 1) Combine the remaining bees with another colony (bumping off your queen), if you have another colony. 2) Order in another queen from a bee supplier 3) Get another beekeeper to donate a frame with eggs or young larvae, so the bees can make themselves a new queen. Good that you've got an experienced beekeeper to chat to -they may be able to think of some more options!

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    1. Tanya Weaver7 May 2013 at 06:53

      Thanks so much for your advice. I've been in touch with the beekeeper who sold me the nuc last year and he is going to hatch a plan for me. Fingers crossed.

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