Agreed - on all accounts... I may have squashed the queen when I was in the hive a few weeks ago. I'll look closely for eggs - I'll even take a magnifying glass to inspect the cells since my eyesight is not the best... guess that happens after you turn 45. ugh!
I hadn't considered feeding the strong hive but you're right. There's getting ready to be a population explosion.... so that makes perfect sense.
Thanks -
David