Do you leave an empty frame though, next to the one with the queen cell? Else how do you avoid it from getting squished?
The cell is in the center of the mating nuc with frame of brood on each side, pushed gently together.
In the previous photo I was making up the nuc as I placed the cell. I just left it open so I could take a photo to show it's placement.
When you place the cell, Think Incubator. Warm, nurturing.
Even when I hatch them out in the incubator, I carry the newly hatched virgins in my pocket (In roller cage) with a small disposable hand warmer. Keeps them from getting chilled and lethargic on cool spring days when I direct release them into nucs.
I place cells anywhere between 2 days before hatching to just hours. They are fairly tough by then, although should be handled with care.
I push the two brood frames gently but snugly together for good contact on the cell.
Here are 48 hour cells beign started:
And the same cells at day 5..not quite capped and still very delicate:
A cell near hatching..tough exterior by then:
Marked right after hatcing from the incubator:
Or find them and mark them after hatching: