Extra Queen, Trying to Make a New Hive?

by Shar
(Virginia)

Hi, I am a new beekeeper.

We thought we lost a queen in the hive, they created a new queen since she left and we had already ordered a new queen replacement. Now we have a queen and no bees.

I got another hive added a frame or two of bees and brood, let the queen out later, observed small hive beetle and eliminated most of the beetles and larva.

The bees (as few as they are) seem to be working hard but need help (more bees). Can I now place another frame of bees and brood to help them along? Will the new frame of bees hurt the queen? (I destroyed the first and original frame of brood as the shb larva was under them. :(

They need help....can you help? Shall I add a frame or two to the new hive?

Thanks

Shar and Bob

Hi

The best way to increase numbers in the hive would be to add frames of brood. Don't put adult bees from one hive to another. While it's possible to combine bees I think it would be better just to brush off any bees and transfer the frames.

Are you feeding either or both colonies? If you want to increase the numbers quickly, depending on the weather, the season and the available forage, it might be appropriate to give them a gallon or two of light syrup.

Just make sure you don't end up with two weak hives. If the queen you purchased is far superior to the one you had, it might have been better to replace her with the new one.

If you decide you want to combine the two hives at any time, kill the queen in one colony and leave them queenless for a few days. Then remove the roof of one hive and the floor of the other and place one box on top of the other, separated by a sheet of newspaper with a few holes made on it with the corner of your hive tool. Within a day or two the bees will have chewed through the paper and combined. You'll see paper dust thrown out of the entrance.

I hope that helps, good luck!

The Bee Guy