[BoTBees]

i need to know how to make the candy that goes in the queen cages.

 

[habutti]

There are several recipes out there but here is what I use for the queens I rear, I mix confectioners sugar with honey until the consistency is right; you don't want it soft because it will become runny or too dry because it will become hard as a rock. Some folks use corn syrup.

 

[sqkcrk]

Mini Marshmallows work well.

Are you growing queens to put in cages for introducing?

 

[BoTBees]

yes, we had a bear get in the hive so i was going to rear my own queen.

 

[beekeeper1756]

I bought two queens and they used marshmellows as candy.

 

[sqkcrk]

If you are going to rear your own you don't need candy. Just put the mature queen cell in your split.

 

[BerkeyDavid]

Agree you don't need it unless you are raising queens.

Assuming you are raising queens and want to make candy for queen cages, Michael Palmer posted the best recipe several years ago in the Queen Breeding forum: http://www.beesource.com/forums/showthread.php?t=221282&highlight=queen+candy

You can buy the invert sugar used in the recipe from Kelly's, it is $20 for a gallon which should last you a long time... makes enough for over 350 cages I think.

 

[fish_stix]

We've always used clear Karo syrup mixed with powdered (confectioners sugar). Never heard any complaints. Mix it to a consistency that won't run and will pack well. If you get it too dry the bees will need mini-jackhammers to get through it. Keep it in the fridge until use.