Introducing a new queen cell to a hive

[Bead]

Inspected the hive today, with the kind help of an experienced beek from our local association. He confirmed my suspicion that the queen had gone, and that there didn't seem to be any virgin queens present. Another generous lady offered me 2 queen cells from her hive, so collected them, chose the stronger looking one, wrapped the walls of the cell with tape for support and cautiously put it between the bars of 2 frames in the BB, being careful not to squash it. Now we wait!

Grateful for advice/comments from anyone who has done this before.

 

[Midland Beek]

A queen that isn't actually laying eggs is always difficult to find. However, with just one colony you do not have the option of using a test frame.

Put a sealed queen cell into a hive with a queen and a swarm can leave.

 

[SixFooter]

Put a sealed queen cell into a hive with a queen and a swarm can leave.

Wont they just tear it down?

 

[Bead]

I'd checked the hive four times myself, then asked a v experienced beek to check as well. No sign of a queen or eggs and the sealed brood was rapidly diminishing as the bees hatched. Queen cell insertion was tried as I was unable to get a mated italian queen until next month.

What I was interested in was whether anyone else has has success with this method?

If the worst comes to the worst and the bees don't raise the queen, buying a mated one, when available, will be plan B.

 

[chickendave]

Did it a couple of weeks ago
I put two Q/C wrapped in foil, both hatched and they must have sorted themselfs out as there is now a laying Q
So yes the method doe's work

 

[Bead]

Thanks Chickendave!

 

[Midland Beek]

What I was interested in was whether anyone else has has success with this method?

Yes. But I have always used queen cell protectors.

 

[chickendave]

Yes. But I have always used queen cell protectors.

I will have to get some as it can be a bit tricky wrapping the kitchen foil around the cell
especially on a warm day

 

[Bead]

Managed to keep my hands off the hive for 3 weeks to give queen a chance. External checks showed the bees busy collecting pollen, coming and going. Looked inside today - queen has definitely hatched, but couldn't see her (possibly not surprising - lots of bees all over the BB frames and didn't want to disturb them too much). No sign of eggs or brood yet either, so I guess I have to be a bit more patient and look again next week.

Question is, how long do I wait before I try to get a mated queen in?

 

[drstitson]

you need to leave her 4-5 weeks from emerging - so perhaps still a fortnight left!

 

[Bead]

Did a full inspection today and thrilled to bits to find sealed and unsealed brood. Didn't spot HM, but she's been busy. Can't tell you how relieved I am.

PS. New hive ordered to start a second colony, so I will have some other options if the queen goes AWOL in future .......

 

[Bead]

PPS. Special thanks to Dee of Woodreef Honey Farm for the queen cell and for her kind advice.

 

[kazmcc]

That is great news! I have just reared our first queen after the theft caused us to become Q- and I saw her on Friday. Now I must wait. Hopefully we'll be just as successful

 

[Bead]

Kaz - best of luck. Hope you get loads of lovely new bees!

 

[Bead]

Finally saw the new queen today - beautiful golden girl. Building up brood nicely.

Best wishes to others trying to get queen sorted.

 

[kazmcc]

Great news, and thanks I'm hoping this hot weather will urge her out to mate. I'll have a peep the end of this week.

 

[BBG]

Just today

done the same thing with a supersedure cell, well one big one and a smaller alongside. Cut out and hung between frames of Q- next door who were almost frantic when examined

First time - so nice to see this post