caging queen cells

peteinwilts · May 6, 2015

Hi Guys

I will be using the Nicot method for rearing queens this year.

Bearing in mind the QC is capped around day 7, should I wait as late as possible to place the cage over the QC? (say, day 14?)

.... alternatively, I might just buy an incubator!

I know little about them and I don't really want to spend a fortune as I may decide not to do it again. Are they the same (or similar) to chicken egg incubators? any special requirements?

any recommendations?

Cheers
Pete

Finman · May 6, 2015

.
The are time points, where you can least violate or disturb the pupa.

When capped a larva still eates a while the royal milk and then it makes pupa silk.

peteinwilts · May 6, 2015

presumably, while the cell is youngest it is most fragile?

itma · May 6, 2015

I don't think its so much that the cell itself is fragile, more that its contents are more susceptible to upset early on.
So, as late as possible ... but before any risk of emergence!

B+. · May 6, 2015

peteinwilts said:
.... alternatively, I might just buy an incubator!

I know little about them and I don't really want to spend a fortune as I may decide not to do it again. Are they the same (or similar) to chicken egg incubators? any special requirements?

any recommendations?

Cheers
Pete

I use the large Carricell portable incubator for carrying cells between home and the apiary. I have a Brinsea 380 at home with the automatic humidity control. The probe shows just above 35 because I was messing about with the humidity

Cells need 35degrees and 50% humidity

However, people have converted old refridgerators into incubators with a heat source (light bulb/heating cable) and a pan of water. You don't have as much control as ready made incubators....but they work most times

B+. · May 6, 2015

itma said:
I don't think its so much that the cell itself is fragile, more that its contents are more susceptible to upset early on.
So, as late as possible ... but before any risk of emergence!

I take them as soon as they're sealed. If you use an insulated portable incubator like the Carricell (see my avatar) they'll be fine.
I've even heard of people making their own portable incubators from chiller boxes, etc