Honeyeater, Alpha was slow laying her 4th year. I added capped brood comb due to my fears Alpha would be superseded. I placed eyes on Alpha in April and it appeared she was laying very well. In May, I grafted larva and Alpha produced some beautiful Cordovan queens for me. I grafted again twice in early June, all of the queen were Italian. I am concerned Alpha has been superseded. Alpha would be 4.4 years old. The hive containing Alpha is packed full of bees,20 of 20 frames with tight spaces between combs. No way to remove a comb without rolling bees. I know, I realize I am going to have to look for my precious queen, soon.
In a way, I don?t want to know the truth. Ya see, honeyeater, Alpha and I have been buds for over 4 years. That is a long time for an insect. She has produced 100s of Cordovan queens for me which I give away at no charge to folks that drop by. I have had several beeks travel a hundred miles to get their hands on Alpha Cordovan queens. I have beeks place request for queens a year in advance. Several beeks wanted to see for themselves the hand wave test on Alpha gentle hive of honeybees. Ya know, take your glove off and pass your bare hand over the bees after the lid is removed. Not a single sting to this day on a hand wave. Oh, almost forgot, there is no need for smoke on Alpha hive.
So Honeyeater, one day, I will muster up the nerve and go find the presence or absence of my beautiful Alpha queen. She is or has been a real jewel.
Cheers