Well worries of them running out of space were unfounded. They have not run out of room yet. Outside frames not touched yet but all others are in use or started. I think they are doing well.
I know they do not like it when I smoke them. I only smoke them lightly and I make sure the smoke isn't hot. They do buzz loudly when I smoke them though.
Queen is laying well. Lots of capped brood and I think I saw eggs and larvae. Best of all I spotted the queen walking around.
This one is kind of blurry the camera focused on my finger.
You can only see the queens backend to the far right.
Since this was a pkg install I did notice the decline in number of bees. I will be glad when the new bees start hatching. I don't think I have to worry about them building up quickly and soon with all the brood I saw.
Let me know what you think.
Thanks David
ps. These are very calm bees. My wife took the pictures from about 4 ft away with no protection. I don't think any landed on me and I know they didn't get on my hands. :)