Mating Flights

[Millet]

When the time has come for the Queen to do her mating flight would it be better to give the hive a bigger entrance block so she can find her way in a bit easier, obviously taking into account the strength of the hive and how well it will be able to defend a larger entrance.

 

[kevrhcfag]

It will only need to defend against robbing, I am not sure what you are thinking about.

Entrance size makes no odds, they still get lost go into wrong hive etc.

You could if you have a few together that are queen right put a QE over entrances over the next week or so to try and stop her getting in them. Stops the drones coming out though.

 

[Millet]

It will only need to defend against robbing, I am not sure what you are thinking about.

Entrance size makes no odds, they still get lost go into wrong hive etc.

You could if you have a few together that are queen right put a QE over entrances over the next week or so to try and stop her getting in them. Stops the drones coming out though.

I'm up the creek without a paddle basically, i split the hive on the 14th of this month and left the five frame split with one Queen cell, that hive has the smallest entrance block which is around 20mm x 10mm so they can defend it from the other bigger original colony, i was thinking of giving them the 100mm x 10mm entrance block to save any congestion during any mating flights.

The original hive is also Queen less with 2x Queen cells and it is bursting at the seems with bees, brood box an 2 x supers are full of angry bees, i was thinking of totally removing the entrance block on that hive as nothing on this earth will be able to gain entry to that hive.

I failed to raise a new Queen last year after two attempts and i am now desperate because if these three Queen cells fail i will probably end up with another one or two laying workers, that is why i asked the question as i desperately need two mated Queens soon so i want to do everything possible to maximize there chances.
Thanks.
Steve.

 

[Gilberdyke John]

When the time has come for the Queen to do her mating flight would it be better to give the hive a bigger entrance block so she can find her way in a bit easier, obviously taking into account the strength of the hive and how well it will be able to defend a larger entrance.

My entrance restrictors are not removable yet I've not had any problem with lost queens. Best just to chill out and let them get on with it.

 

[Millet]

My entrance restrictors are not removable yet I've not had any problem with lost queens. Best just to chill out and let them get on with it.

I tried that last year and it went mammaries up, i will let them get on with it again but i do not have a queen this year even after asking for help, any way lets see if it goes according to plan.
And Thank you John for your reply.

Regards
Steve.

 

[pargyle]

I tried that last year and it went mammaries up, i will let them get on with it again but i do not have a queen this year even after asking for help, any way lets see if it goes according to plan.
And Thank you John for your reply.

Regards
Steve.

G-John is right Steve ... Just let them get on with it. I find the more you interfere with them the more harm (well meant assistance) you actuall do. Most queens survive a mating flight and when they do they will find their way back into the right box .. take a chill pill ...

 

[kevrhcfag]

I'm up the creek without a paddle basically, i split the hive on the 14th of this month and left the five frame split with one Queen cell, that hive has the smallest entrance block which is around 20mm x 10mm so they can defend it from the other bigger original colony, i was thinking of giving them the 100mm x 10mm entrance block to save any congestion during any mating flights.

The original hive is also Queen less with 2x Queen cells and it is bursting at the seems with bees, brood box an 2 x supers are full of angry bees, i was thinking of totally removing the entrance block on that hive as nothing on this earth will be able to gain entry to that hive.

I failed to raise a new Queen last year after two attempts and i am now desperate because if these three Queen cells fail i will probably end up with another one or two laying workers, that is why i asked the question as i desperately need two mated Queens soon so i want to do everything possible to maximize there chances.
Thanks.
Steve.

I know what people say leave 1 cell but small split if you cant see that it is Ok before capping then leave 2, it will make no real odds. Entrance size is OK.

I've noticed smaller the size quicker tend to get laying workers sooner.

There is SFA you can do accept check that they have emerged (whenever due) then have to wait on drones and weather to see if get mated. Thought you bees where bad tempered anyway, the last thing I would be doing is letting them requeen themselves. But whatever floats your boat.

 

[Millet]

G-John is right Steve ... Just let them get on with it. I find the more you interfere with them the more harm (well meant assistance) you actuall do. Most queens survive a mating flight and when they do they will find their way back into the right box .. take a chill pill ...

 

[Millet]

I know what people say leave 1 cell but small split if you cant see that it is Ok before capping then leave 2, it will make no real odds. Entrance size is OK.

I've noticed smaller the size quicker tend to get laying workers sooner.

There is SFA you can do accept check that they have emerged (whenever due) then have to wait on drones and weather to see if get mated. Thought you bees where bad tempered anyway, the last thing I would be doing is letting them requeen themselves. But whatever floats your boat.

You thought correct, read through my posts and you might get a answer to your comments, oh and thank you for your unhelpful reply.

 

[Millet]

G-John is right Steve ... Just let them get on with it. I find the more you interfere with them the more harm (well meant assistance) you actuall do. Most queens survive a mating flight and when they do they will find their way back into the right box .. take a chill pill ...

I was in a rush earlier so i did not reply accordingly, i will take two chill pills as i fear one will not work lol.
I will be leaving well alone now as a can not do anything to help the two colonies if all goes wrong, i have sourced some New mated Queens to re Queen from a good fellow member Locally but that will not be till the back end of June, i have also been speaking to another good fellow member about a couple of last years Queens locally if the 2017 mated Queens do not become available, either way it is a waiting game now and in the hands of the Gods.
Thank you for your helpful reply.
Steve