Requeening

[jim b]

I've got a TBH that is probably too hot for the queen's own good. I'm interested in feral bees and would rather not replace her with a "production" queen if i can reasonably get around it. I know i'm in AHB territory so hot hives are a concern on several levels. This may mean that i ought not let them raise their own, but if there's a way, i'd really rather do it that way. Looking for input here.

I have other hives that aren't as hot, yet, that could serve as a source for queenage, but they are Langs. Could i use this resource and if so, how would one go about providing eggs/larva to the de-queened TBH? Could i graft comb containing eggs/larva into the TBH?

Do i need to wait four days after removal of the existing queen and then go back in and remove all queen cells? or is there a different protocall to follow? What would be the timing on introducing the eggs/larva?

If the above wont work, can a new queen be introduced along with a nuc into the TBH? A nuc from the TBH?

Secondly, when the dispatching of the current queen is to occur, any suggestions on a good way to find her? There were a lot lot lot of bees in this hive the last time i saw it. It was back in November i think. I know, too long, but have had a few "obsticals". Hope to get out there within a week or so. By then it "mite" not even be an issue.

Sorry-so many questions.


Thank you in advance for any help-j

[Sungold]

jim,

IMO,as long a you have gangsta bees living in da hood, your going to have a difficult time raising calm queens. It may take several tries and it might get worse before it gets better. I wouldn't risk it.
In your situtation, you might consider using a cordovan italian queen. This way you would have a color indicator if the queen were to be supercided.

[size="1"][ March 09, 2006, 08:03 AM: Message edited by: Sungold ][/size]

[jim b]

Sungold-
Thank you for your reply.
I'm sure you're right about risking it- no sence saturating the area with gangsta drones. The real serious ones dont get tatoos anymore so you cant tell the wannabees from the real stuff, except by their behaviour.
Regards,j