It is important to remember that breeder queens aren't necessarily good production queens at all. They are intended as a means to transfer specific genetics into a large number of virgins. If they come out of a proven breeding program (like Joe's) they may well be a bargain at twice that price. For most perhaps spending the same money on a couple hundred queens from a good breeder of your choice and selecting the best for your own breeder makes better sense.
It is important to remember that breeder queens aren't necessarily good production queens at all.
For most perhaps spending the same money on a couple hundred queens from a good breeder of your choice and selecting the best for your own breeder makes better sense.
I agree Jim. First...II breeder queens...are they breeder queens or experiments? Crossing two lines via II doesn't necessarily create breeder queens. Install the daughters in production hives, follow performance for a couple years, and then you'll know if they're worth their salt.
If you have enough colonies to use store bought production queens, follow the same procedure and use the best in your breeding program.
I had good luck with a VP breeder too Matt. Their price has gone up since Glenn is out of the picture, and they no longer offer the open mated breeders I don't believe, which was what I used for bringing in additional diversity to my operation.
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