Posting Queens

[MikeWade]

Hi,

Could someone give me a little advise on Posting mated queens. Ive overproduced so want to send a few (2 or 3) to someone. I'm ok with caging them with attendants, but having never bought in queens not sure what next? In a jiffy bag with holes, in a box?

Also any advice on best companies to deliver them?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

 

[JonnyPicklechin]

Never sent them but the ones I get from BS Honey Bees are in a white jiffy bag with 5 or 6 holes on each end. Inside is a plastic cage with a decent amount of fondant in the end and then sealed. The Q normally has 6 or 7 attendants.

I'd test the hole effectiveness by blowing through the jiffy bag and making sure air is coming through well.

They send them Royal Mail overnight and always get here well. Make sure to add "‘URGENT – LIVING CREATURES - HANDLE WITH CARE’. per Royal Mail requirements.

 

[Ian123]

Jiffy bags with holes in are ok but those cages can pop the top if they come under any pressure. You can secure with a little tape but when unpacked at the other end get them to cut tape with a Stanley or box and lid may part company, and bees in all directions. Yes I’ve done it!!! Other than that when getting batches of queens cages are often packed inside a small rigid box. I’ve used a small tupaware container with a snap shut lid and a few holes drilled in. I should add if using tape don’t cover any areas a stray leg may get attached to through mesh do it down the candy end

 

[jeff33]

You can send them first class or recorded at the counter rather than through the post box to ensure they arrive next day. Your local post-office will be able to help especially to tell you at what time the post is being picked-up. It ensures you don't 'bag them' too early or miss the mail collection (although they will survive few days in the post).

 

[enrico]

Mine from maisemore came in an ordinary white envelope with holes punched in with a hole punch over a bank holiday weekend!!!

 

[B+.]

Hi,

Could someone give me a little advise on Posting mated queens. Ive overproduced so want to send a few (2 or 3) to someone. I'm ok with caging them with attendants, but having never bought in queens not sure what next? In a jiffy bag with holes, in a box?

Also any advice on best companies to deliver them?

Any advice would be great.

Thanks

I post quite a lot of queens over the course of the summer. Generally, I use Royal Mail Special Delivery (overnight) in the UK which guarantees delivery before 1pm next day but you have to have the consignment at the Post Office before 5pm (your post office may have a different pick-up time so check your local area).
If it's forecast to be warm, a padded envelope isn't necessary. It can even contribute to overheating. If it's forecast to be iffy, use a Jiffy to give them a little insulation. Use a hole-punch and punch a couple of holes at each end of the envelope for ventilation but always write "Live Bees - Handle with care. Keep out of direct sunlight!" on the envelope near the address. Also, try to make sure you post at the start of the week to avoid weekends and Bank Holidays. You don't want them to spend too long in a postmans sack or in the Post Office so make it as easy as possible for them.

 

[madasafish]

I posted a queen last year in late October in a stiff plastic cylinder packed with bubble wrap (to keep her warm) and with holes to allow airflow. Sent Royal Mail Next Day delivery.
Arrived alive and well by 12am next day...

 

[MikeWade]

Thanks

Thanks for to all for the advice this has been really helpful.

 

[Heather]

But be wary, the post is being very intermittent recently due to Virus. Pal in North West had all birthday cards delivered 5 days late. And here in Sussex its not as usual..