Making my own queen

[mhorowit]

Our club members are recommending that toward the end of summer, I exchange the queen I received with my GA package with a queen of known characteristics including the ability to weather the DC winter. They provided a guide (Mating Nucs, geared to a Lang). It is detailed, but it would help me to understand what I’m doing if I could get a broader view of what has to be in place for the queen cell to take.
Could I get your take on what has to be in place prior to introducing the queen cell and particularly why? – Mike

[Charlie B]

If the only reason to replace your queen is because of the weather, I would go with the queen you have. She should easily adapt.

[6470zzy]

Having lived for many years in Northern Virginia myself, I would tend to be of the opinion that you don't have anything to fear from the winters there. I think that your bees should be just fine in the mild winter weather around DC.

Cheers

[Oldtimer]

Can't comment on climate but I do know people often change queens when it's not nessecary.

However, to answer your questions, I'm assuming you are talking about introducing an about to hatch queen cell? Personally I would recommend a mated caged queen, because virgins from introduced bought queen cells normally have around a 75% mating success rate, the other 25% dissappear for one reason or another leaving your hive queenless.

But if you do introduce a queen cell, the instructions are the same as for a langstroth. Just press it gently into a comb in the middle of a brood area, the reason being so it will be kept at the right temperature until it hatches. It should be in the natural position, ie, pointing downwards. Some people use cell protectors, me, I never bother. If you leave your hive queenless 24 hours before introducing the cell there should be no problems with the bees tearing the cell down.

[mhorowit]

Can't comment on climate but I do know people often change queens when it's not nessecary.

However, to answer your questions, I'm assuming you are talking about introducing an about to hatch queen cell? Personally I would recommend a mated caged queen, because virgins from introduced bought queen cells normally have around a 75% mating success rate, the other 25% dissappear for one reason or another leaving your hive queenless.

But if you do introduce a queen cell, the instructions are the same as for a langstroth. Just press it gently into a comb in the middle of a brood area, the reason being so it will be kept at the right temperature until it hatches. It should be in the natural position, ie, pointing downwards. Some people use cell protectors, me, I never bother. If you leave your hive queenless 24 hours before introducing the cell there should be no problems with the bees tearing the cell down.

Can you talk to what has to be in place and why?

[Oldtimer]

Well first, where is your hive up too, how much brood, stores, etc? Also, what are you wanting to use. A point of hatching queen cell, a caged mated queen, or what?

[mhorowit]

Well first, where is your hive up too, how much brood, stores, etc? Also, what are you wanting to use. A point of hatching queen cell, a caged mated queen, or what?

I ment what has to be in place in the receiving nuc and why - Mike

[Oldtimer]

What do you mean "what has to be in place?" The composition of the nuc? Are you introducing to a nuc or a TBH?

What are you wanting to use. A point of hatching queen cell, a caged mated queen, or what?

[Bush_84]

Mike,

I think everybody is a bit confused here. Firstly I wouldn't worry about requeening. Secondly what exactly are you trying to do? Are you trying to rear queens? What is your current situation? How many hives do you have? What type of hives do you have? How many queens do you want to make? How do you plan on making them (there are many methods)?

It seems to me that you maybe aren't even sure what you are trying to ask as I have no idea what you want to know. I would suggest reading Michael bush's section on queen rearing and get back to us.

http://www.bushfarms.com/beesqueenrearing.htm

[throrope]

Unless you see obvious problems, my vote is keep the queen and stay the course. IMHO the girls will replace her highness better than you can. If she does well through the winter, you will gave good stock to split at no cost.