Natural Beekeeping International Forum

[EcoSam]

Hey folks,

I recently acquired the remnant scout bees from a swarm which had moved on. I've got them sitting in a hTBH at the moment but they're displaying very little activity, presumably because of the lack of a swarm. There's very few bees in total - probably less than 100.

I'm very new to bee keeping so I'm unsure as to what I should do. Broodcomb and eggs would probably be the obvious choice but I've not managed to find someone who can give me some.

Is purchasing a queen a valid option? I don't necessarily agree with it ethically but if it's necessary then I'll do it.

Alternatively, what would you do in my situation?

Thanks!

[Houstonbees]

Hmm......a swarm in May is worth a load of hay, a swarm in June is worth a silver spoon, a swarm in July is not worth a fly (old proverb from the 17th century).
If there isn't a queen I'd combine em with another hive. Not enough harvest from bloom, not enough time to build a hive to make it through winter.

[EcoSam]

Unfortunately I don't have another hive/colony. A mate of mine does however so that is an option.

[biobee]

That's not enough bees to support a queen. I would shake them out in front of your friend's hive.

[Dexter's shed]

your friend may not want them in all honesty, as they could transfer unknown disease, far better to just notch this one up as a learning curve, leave them in the tbh, they will add "bee" smell to it, they will of course die out within time, then between now and next spring get all your learning done, join local bee club and get yourself on the swarm collection list, getting a full swarm is the way to go