They've started!!

[EmsE]

I began working through my hive on Wednesday with my 8 year old daughter, telling her we didn't need to worry about queen cells just yet. I'm working on a double brood box and felt happy that my queen had lots of space, however there on the 4th frame in the top box was a Queen cell occupied by a large larva! Previous inspection was 6 days before (I've been trying to find and mark my queen- with no luck!).

I was hoping to raise another colony this year but I thought I had more time to prepare. Thankfully 2 experienced bee-keepers came to my rescue, found my elusive queen (so she is finally marked) and arranged the hive for it to be split.

Fingers crossed everything is going to work out- my first (assisted) attempt at raising a new queen. There are plenty of drones in my hive so I'm hoping there are others in the local area....and that the weather gets warmer!