I've heard that it does increase acceptance rates, but I haven't personally seen much of a difference. Seems like extra work to me, but when you just spent $18 a queen (plus shipping) it seems like easy odds-raising. YMMV.
If the attendants are removed there is less need to "increase acceptance"Spraying the attendants with sugar water will increase acceptance.
Bees balling a cage containing just a queen would be an excellent indicator.A better indicator is if they ball the cage when you put it in.
And if you had a problem you have a lot of resources...I have replaced literally hundreds of queens with attendants without issues
This is the nice thing about being a hobbyist. We are able to invest far more time and money...I do not have time to remove attendants
I'm not sure, but I'm guessing that xgrove would be walking to his backyard twice...It would be better to wait a day or two but that is travel time for both trips.
What is the current value of a cage containing a dead queen and attendants?If you injure or accidentally lose the queen was it worth it?