It's been rather hot here lately, and I've been busy with work, so hadn't done an inspection in 4-6 weeks. Everything was looking fine, hive growing well, and lots of flowers and pollen in the area, so I wasn't worried. I had added a second hive body about 3-4 weeks ago, put the hivetop feeder back on w/ 1:1 sugarwater, and was just poking my nose in the 2nd (new, top) hive body to keep an eye on the girls. They had been letting me do that w/o smoking or suiting up, just a quick peek (all proud of myself for being brave,
).
Well I noticed a lot more bearding lately, and about a week ago I tried a 'peek', and they stung me (first time!), so figured I better get a looksee. There has also been foulbrood reported in this end of the state. My Apiary is registered, and I did not get an inspection letter, though a friend nearby did (Slowmodem - he said the inspector came by today, all clean!).
These are Russian bee's from Kelley's Bee's (Arkansas breeder I understand?), package installed at the end of April this year. Some old comb, mostly new frames, not worried about honey, just want to get the hive built up and ready for winter (was robbed out in fall of last year, lost hive). If anything, I was thinking of trying to split them, and lo and behold, think I have a queen forming! (see pic)
Thought I'd post some pics from today and ask for everyone'e help and opinions. I've still got a lot to learn when looking at things, so please, fire away with your thoughts and advice!
New frames in the 2nd hive body (nice patterning here).
Also 2nd hive body. Think there's a queen in there?
Brood frame from the original hive body. Irregular pattern
Close up of said frame - can see eggs a few days old on zoom, so I think original queen is still in there doing well.
Another frame from original hive body, loaded w/ nurse bee's!
Some fat man in the woods playing with bee's.....
Thanks for the advice!
Kevin