Queen worries...

[SueBee]

Into my second year of beekeeping and still so much to learn...
Last year's queen disappeared sometime in (probably early) April. No sign of young brood towards the end of April, she must have just died I guess. Anyway, I noticed queen cells and let one hatch. Haven't actually seen the wee devil, assume she is there somewhere, probably hatched 2-3 weeks ago, just when this really rubbish weather started.
Still no sign of eggs or young brood. How long will the virgin stay viable without mating? There are a fair few drones around, when she does get the chance. Its really not been the weather for it here in Argyll.
The girls are getting crabbit, another indication of queenlessness?
Worried that they will die out, have been feeding syrup as most of apple blossom destroyed before they could get to it...
Any advice welcome.

[Trog]

Exactly the same problem here, only I have more than one colony so can rescue the supersedure colony if her ladyship doesn't get mated. Is there anyone near you who could spare a frame of brood with new eggs should this become necessary? I've known queens here to take up to 6 weeks to get mated and laying, so all is not lost. They've missed the bluebells, apples and raspberries but there's still clover to come if the summer returns. Not expecting much in the way of orchard fruit this year ... what did get pollinated simply blew off in the storm or is getting eaten by deer, who don't normally come into the garden after March ..

[SueBee]

Thanks, good to know that they can take up to 6 weeks, less worried now. If all else fails I might be able to blag a frame of eggs/brood from someone, just need to find his phone number...
Orchard has been a washout this year, my hopes are pinned on late flowering willow in area and lime, the evil willowherb, and a load of Balsam down by the burn. Been surprised that they didn't seem to go for the comfrey (bumbles loved it though). Given up all hope of a honey harvest this year.
On the plus side at least chances of swarming in June are lessened...(??)

[Jon]

Do you not have bramble? The blackberry is one of the main sources of nectar and pollen around here and the first flowers are already open. It flowers right through the summer.

[SueBee]

See, told you I had a lot to learn/observe... lots of bramble in area, just hope it hasn't flowered yet, as it would be battered to bits!

[Trog]

Our bramble's not even thinking of flowering just now. Everything's just stopped. Even the sprouts are wishing they'd not been planted out!