q cage into, plastic clip or not

[Cuckmere couple]

i introduced a q successfully in a cage a couple of week ago without putting tape across the fondant block in a q intro cage

am planning to introduce another today...

was i lucky just to leave fondant and i should use some tape or ok not to use tape?

thanks folk

 

[drex]

Some queens take longer to be accepted than others. They can chew through the fondant in 24 hours, and if they are not happy with her it could be curtains. In my view you were lucky

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

It's all to do with the demeanour of the colony, if the bees are a bit 'hot' I'd say covering the candy is essential, if it's just a straightforward requeening then you can risk without. I don't always cover the candy, especially as some apiaries are a fair trek away. but if your apiary is at the bottom of the garden, why take the risk?

 

[madasafish]

I leave queens in cage with sealed entrance for three days before releasing..
I don't trust to luck.

Money at stake...says mean Scot

 

[Amari]

I leave queens in cage with sealed entrance for three days before releasing..
I don't trust to luck. Money at stake...says mean Scot

I plan to do this - four Qs arriving in five days time. Remove the old Qs and insert the new at the same sitting. My only concern is that the new Qs will thus be off-lay for a total of 4-5 days. Does this matter?

 

[jenkinsbrynmair]

I plan to do this - four Qs arriving in five days time. Remove the old Qs and insert the new at the same sitting. My only concern is that the new Qs will thus be off-lay for a total of 4-5 days. Does this matter?

I always put posted queens into a hive immediately after introducing the old one to the gatepost. Just make sure the candy cap is protected for a few days.

 

[Cuckmere couple]

i protected

they were warm-hot so took the precaution