how long can i keep Q in cage for

[wightbees]

How long can i keep a Q bee in a cage with some workers and fondant?
Also what is the best method of keeping her alive ? ( in the cage)
Thanks

 

[Eyeman]

How long can i keep a Q bee in a cage with some workers and fondant?

If it's a virgin I wouldn't want to keep her for more than 2-3 days max. Feed her some honey and water rather than fondant- someone reminded me that she should be treated like a new born baby and given the best food availabe and keep her warm around 30 degrees C.
If she's mated then she will keep for weeks in a cage in a hive.

 

[wightbees]

If she's mated then she will keep for weeks in a cage in a hive.

how about the other Queen in the hive, would this not cause probs ?

 

[RoofTops]

Above the queen excluder. It is called queen banking.

 

[BKF Admin]

Dont forget a virgin can feed herself while a mated queen needs feeding by workers.

 

[Finman]

.
2-3 days is a simple answer. Like Eyman says.

Keep it alive, make a nuc. Take just emerging bees a franme. Put it over the big hive that it gives heat. Close all holes for 3 days.

 

[wightbees]

Ok thanks everyone.made a nuc