View Full Version : How to intro. Queen cells
I've always introduced mated queens but have done my first round of raising my own queens. I want to introduce the queen cells into several mating nucs and to requeen several other hives.
Can queen cells be used in both cases?
Do I make the hives to be "requeened" queenless 24 hrs. before intro. the cells?
I see cell protectors for sale- as these necessary?
Place the cell hanging down between 2 frames in the middle of the hive/ nuc?
Any info is much appreciated as I want my new queens to have the best go of it.
Yuleluder
08-07-2008, 11:38 AM
Can queen cells be used in both cases?
Yes
Do I make the hives to be "requeened" queenless 24 hrs. before intro. the cells?
I made up 40 mating nucs and placed the cells in within a couple hours. The acceptance was about 95%
I see cell protectors for sale- as these necessary?
No
Place the cell hanging down between 2 frames in the middle of the hive/ nuc?
Yes
BigDaddyDS
08-07-2008, 01:34 PM
Place the cell hanging down between 2 frames in the middle of the hive/ nuc?
Not just in the middle of the hive, but surrounded by brood. You're looking for nurse bees to take care of the emerging queen as soon as she pops out. So it's more than just "location" within the hive; it's her surroundings.
beemandan
08-07-2008, 03:34 PM
to requeen several other hives.
If you want to requeen an existing hive using cells you'll want to be a bit more careful. I find the original queen and pinch her. I then carefully sandwich the cell between two frames with brood. I'll return several days later, check that the queen emerged normally from that cell, then cut out any other queen cells that the workers have made. They will begin making replacement queen cells once the mother queen has been removed...even if you put a cell in...so make sure you go back and remove them all.