Where to put nucs for best queen breeding

[DaveG23]

So maybe a difficult question to answer but could make for an interesting discussion

If you wanted to ensure a nuc with queen cells is put in the best location to allow the emerging queen to be mated, what would you look for in a site?

Near someone else who has hives?

Within another apiary?

In a location close enough to several apiaries?

Within your own apiary?

 

[drex]

Your question is more about mating than breeding. Doubt whether the site of the hive would make much difference. Drones tend to fly to specific areas known as drone congregation areas. Such areas can remain in the same location year after year. The queen will fly to a DCA, but further away than her own drones will fly ( to decrease chance of in breeding).

 

[Millet]

The best place to get Queens mated is anywhere that has no Swallows.

 

[DaveG23]

Your question is more about mating than breeding. Doubt whether the site of the hive would make much difference. Drones tend to fly to specific areas known as drone congregation areas. Such areas can remain in the same location year after year. The queen will fly to a DCA, but further away than her own drones will fly ( to decrease chance of in breeding).

That's what I have read, most of the experienced bee keepers I have met hear Still worry about enough drones and where to put nucs, maybe because summers here are typically wet, and because they say the native bee can Mate within the apiary.

 

[DaveG23]

The best place to get Queens mated is anywhere that has no Swallows.

What about Swift's?
We have loads of both here..
My father in law was pointing out Swift's flying near the hive in my garden the other day..

 

[enrico]

What about Swift's?
We have loads of both here..
My father in law was pointing out Swift's flying near the hive in my garden the other day..

You are never going to stop them so I wouldn't worry about them! A risk taken with all flying queens!
E

 

[Poly Hive]

I frankly don't believe the myth that Amm mates within the apiary. I suspect some saw mating "swarms" and made jumps in their thoughts.

I am quite positive I never saw it.

PH

 

[Millet]

You are never going to stop them so I wouldn't worry about them! A risk taken with all flying queens!
E

Out of eight Queen cells over the past few years i have only managed to get one Queen mated.
We have no Swallows this year and upto now i have three mated Queens and three more to check over the weekend.

 

[DaveG23]

So will Queens fly over hills/ mountains or does that become a barrier? I live on a small peninsula surrounded by sea with mountains in the middle

 

[Erichalfbee]

What about Swift's?
We have loads of both here..
My father in law was pointing out Swift's flying near the hive in my garden the other day..

Swifts like DCAs
I think a drone takes a chance with them
Maybe a queen and drone together appear a juicier morsel