Queen Excluders

betterbee · May 29, 2011

I found that there is a very easy way to check the slots in the queen excluders.

I found 4.3 mm to be the size needed. The shank of a 4.3 mm drill bit can be used to check the spaces.
bee-smillie

jimthebee · May 29, 2011

hello, i am a total newbie and today managed to transfer my nuke into the hive. I have placed a rapid feeder on top as advised and also used a queen excluder. do i need the queen excluder on at the moment ? is it doing any harm ? shall i just leave it ? your assistance would be greatly received
regards Jim

victor meldrew · May 29, 2011

jimthebee said:
hello, i am a total newbie and today managed to transfer my nuke into the hive. I have placed a rapid feeder on top as advised and also used a queen excluder. do i need the queen excluder on at the moment ? is it doing any harm ? shall i just leave it ? your assistance would be greatly received
regards Jim

Not totally necessary but could save your Queen from getting in the feeder and perhaps drowning

John Wilkinson

jimthebee · May 29, 2011

John thank you very much. I was panicking a bit to be honest. There seems to be so many methods and people offering advice it all becomes a bit confusing. I read that 9 days before first inspection, again is that too long or about right. I dont want t freak them out and start winding them up ?

victor meldrew · May 29, 2011

At last, a newbie with a little patience

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As you have started with a nuc and transferred it to a full sized hive with perhaps the remaining room taken up with frames of foundation, I should think you will be quite safe leaving your inspections until weather is ideal for a rummage through them

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Small colonies headed by a new(ish) Queen, with plenty room shouldn't be in a hurry to swarm !

John Wilkinson

jimthebee · May 30, 2011

John
Thank you very much for putting my mind at ease. Not to sure about the patience!!! I was called last night to collect a swarm from a local address. Nothing like a baptism of fire. In one day Nuc to hive and a swarm to deal with. It great to have some experience to call on at the touch of a keyboard.

once again many thanks.

Jim.