This also ensures that the cups are warmed to brood-nest temperature.Ī comb of pollen is put in the top box close to the graft bar, and a comb of young larvae, preferably also with some pollen stores, is also placed adjacent to the graft bar. If the queen is not found, combs are shaken free of bees before they are placed above the queen excluder. The cell bars have about two inches (5cm) free space beneath them to provide room for the bees to build the queen cells.Ī part-depth saw cut along the length of the underside of each cell bar allow the plastic queen cups with base pegs we use to be inserted in the groove.
Two or three colonies are also selected as breeder colonies, according to their lineage, past records, how well they over-wintered, and their temperament. Two or three large queenright rearer colonies are selected according to their size and temperament, each having the equivalent of at least 20 full deep combs of bees, 8 to 12 combs of healthy brood of all stages, and the equivalent of two or three full combs of pollen.
Colony Selection Usually around the beginning of May once there are ample quantities of pollen and nectar, colonies in the queen-rearing apiary are assessed for size in terms of equivalent full combs of bees, brood, honey, and pollen, and for docility and freedom from disease.
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