In-Hive Incubator

[James Burke]

After several requests, I'm re-posting my link for my version of an in-hive queen cell incubator.

I don't sell them since I've got plenty else to do, but most anyone with basic wood shop skills can make them with little trouble.

Here's the link:
http://www.jarsa.net/Incubator.htm

Best Regards,

Jim

[BerkeyDavid]

Hi Jim
Nice idea, think I'll try it. What do you mean:

"Close up of the holes and the kerf that runs down each side."?

[James Burke]

Dave,
The picture shows a close up of how the kerf intersects the "outboard" side of the hole in the block. Each hole has three places where the kerf cuts through: one on the bottom, and two on the sides of the hole.

I did my holes on a CNC milling machine using a flat end mill cutter. A flat bottom hole works the best in this case since it allows the queen closer access to the bottom of the hole for feeding.

If I had used a drill press, I would have opted for a spade bit. Drill your holes FIRST and then run the kerfs down the sides.

You might have to reduce the size of the pilot on the spade bit to avoid making too large a hole. Adding more kerfs down the sides might not be a bad idea so long as they don't weaken the wood.

On one version I did earlier, I drilled holes completely through and stapled screen to the bottom. This works better if you plan to let the queens hatch in the block.

Releasing such queens is rather simple. I use a swing arm lamp on the table to coax her out, while keeping my fingers around the top of the hole ready to catch her.

Just do them one at a time and have your cages ready. Make sure you're in an enclosed area in case she tries to fly.

Regards,

Jim

[Hook]

Interesting! It looks pretty easy to build too. How are the cell cups suspended? Does this system require you to move the cells when they are aproaching ripe, or doe you graft right into the bar?

It looks like a time saver, but it still requires a trip to the bee yard to retrieve them. That is one thing the electric incubator does not do.

[James Burke]

The cells are suspended in the hole by the rim around the cup. See the photo where the cups are in the bar.

As I stated before, I try not to let the queens hatch in the bars, but it is possible if you want to do so.

I like them because it allows me to store more cells (protected) in a smaller area. And, they are ready for nucs when the time comes.

Regards,

Jim

[BerkeyDavid]

Jim
OK, thanks.

I don't have a CNC machine. Probably end up just drilling them out all the way and stapling a screen on. Or I could use a forster bit....