From: "kdmalone" <kdmalone@ideafamilies.org>
Date: Sun, 6 Jan 2002 00:35:24 -0800
To: <BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com>
Subject: Re: cell size measurement (Size of Queens)

Hi Allen & All,

> If the genetics of the bees on small comb are not much, if at all different,
> from the bees that are being raised on large cells as I have heard claimed
> by the main proponent of small cell, and the queen cells used are not
> constrictive, and the feed is not restricted, and if we can assume that the
> feed for queens raised in large cell and small cell hives must be the same
> (or else we would be getting caste effects), then how can queens raised by
> small comb bees differ from queens raised by bees on large comb?

Well said, Also to add, when I talked to the owner of Bolling Bee Co. about
his queens he stated they have not changed in size even after converting his
apiary to 4.9 mm cell combs.

We can give the bees worker cell foundation but most do not give them queen
cell foundation. Some do have certain size cups for rearing queens and this
may affect the size of the queen, I suspect. If the bees make swarm cells
they would probably make a size that their instincts dictate and the queen I
presume would be more of a natural size.

Keith Malone
Chugiak, Alaska USA
starrier@yahoo.com
http://takeoff.to/alaskahoney