Virgin queen introduction

[Repwoc]

I want to requeen a nuc that isn't going anywhere fast. I have a virgin that emerged in my incubator last night. Should I introduce her like a mated queen, ie in a travel cage plugged with fondant? Or is it different with virgins?

 

[eltalia]

I want to requeen a nuc that isn't going anywhere fast. I have a virgin that emerged in my incubator last night. Should I introduce her like a mated queen, ie in a travel cage plugged with fondant? Or is it different with virgins?

Is the "nuc" queenless?
If so, for how long has it been so?

Bill

 

[Repwoc]

Is the "nuc" queenless?
If so, for how long has it been so?

Bill

Not yet.

 

[B+.]

I want to requeen a nuc that isn't going anywhere fast. I have a virgin that emerged in my incubator last night. Should I introduce her like a mated queen, ie in a travel cage plugged with fondant? Or is it different with virgins?

Ideally in a nuc with no open brood.
I have had success with direct introduction but this can be a bit risky at certain times of the year (after mid summer). Probably the safest way is to let her overnight in a Nicot cage between 2 frames of brood where the bees cluster. They will get used to each other and, hopefully, she'll be accepted the next day.
Sometimes, bees can be awkward though. If they show any signs of aggression be ready to rescue her.

 

[Repwoc]

OK thanks. I think I'll make them Q- this evening and assess the open brood and play it by ear from then.

 

[B+.]

OK thanks. I think I'll make them Q- this evening and assess the open brood and play it by ear from then.

You don't want too many bees in the nuc either. Especially not older forager bees as they're the ones who show aggression. If you put the nuc in the same apiary on a different place/pointing a different direction, the older flying bees will go home. The younger bees that haven't flown yet will stay. These are the bees you want.

 

[SDM]

Has anyone tried the nicot artificial queen cells for introducing virgins.

 

[eltalia]

Not yet.

Ok...n0t something I'd put my name to.
Get your VQ mated (laying) and proceed as per.
You've no emergent reason(given) to justify anything else.

Bill

 

[Millet]

Ok...n0t something I'd put my name to.
Get your VQ mated (laying) and proceed as per.
You've no emergent reason(given) to justify anything else.

Bill

Where /What/Is.. does this mean.. eltalia.
/pulls ones spam javelin/

 

[eltalia]

Where /What/Is.. does this mean.. eltalia.
/pulls ones spam javelin/

You are kidding, right...?
8.5K posts an' you sling a hook... jaysus!

Compliments etc etc..

Bill

 

[Millet]

You are kidding, right...?
8.5K posts an' you sling a hook... jaysus!

Compliments etc etc..

Bill

 

[Millet]

8.2k by the way William..

 

[eltalia]

8.2k by the way William..

Whatever...I'm quite sure by _next_ birthday you'll have well
shotputted the 8.5K.. heh heh

Bill

 

[Millet]

Whatever...I'm quite sure by _next_ birthday you'll have well
shotputted the 8.5K.. heh heh

Bill

You sound like a Bitch..but yes i will pass the 8.5k by tomorrow if you don't go and get your head down..

 

[Repwoc]

Ok...n0t something I'd put my name to.
Get your VQ mated (laying) and proceed as per.
You've no emergent reason(given) to justify anything else.

Bill

Mainly lack of kit. I could make up a mini mating nuc with the VQ, then once mated introduce her to the nuc I want to re-queen. I have plans for all my mating nucs, however, and it seemed expedient to put the VQ directly into the nuc.

 

[eltalia]

Mainly lack of kit. I could make up a mini mating nuc with the VQ, then once mated introduce her to the nuc I want to re-queen. I have plans for all my mating nucs, however, and it seemed expedient to put the VQ directly into the nuc.

It would IF it worked that way, so easy as introducing layers.

That there is the barb - you could/would send the nuc backwards
rather than wait out that slow growth whilst yer VQ gets done.
It is a punt, one only to be accepted IF the nuc was expendable
as a producer. OMMV

Bill

 

[B+.]

Has anyone tried the nicot artificial queen cells for introducing virgins.

I think Richard Noel has. You could PM him

 

[SDM]

I think Richard Noel has. You could PM him

Cheers !