From: Micky Lee <mlee4321@juno.com>
Date: Wed, 9 Jan 2002 19:04:01 -0600
To: BiologicalBeekeeping@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: Sugar crystals in honey and fondant

Peter, What you say about crystal size is correct. Thanks for the
enlightenment.

Peter wrote,

>When fondant is found in a solid state in Queen cages - the time taken
>to liberate the queen is often too long and has negative consequences on
>queen condition/ acceptance.

>What do others think?

Comment:

When it comes to releasing Queens, opinions are like noses, everybody has
one.

Use a nail to poke a hole in the fondant? Yes? No?

Check in three days, release her if necessary? DO NOT disturb for seven
days? [I have found them still in prison after 10 days in a colony]

Should queens always be introduced in a nuc? or in a full strength
colony?

When replacing a queen, smash her and throw her in the bottom of the
hive? Throw her beside the hive? Several yards/meters away?

Should the attendant bees be left if the cage or removed?

And so on. I have heard these questions and others argued for years.
Seldom does anyone change anyones mind. If what you are doing works for
you, do not change the way you do it. If not try another way.

Micky
St. Louis, MO USA