Here is my problem made some nucs and added some virgin queens to them bees killed all the queens now this was the first batch. Now out of this batch only one lived and walking around not laying yet. I got a second batch this bunch was five and only two is living so far what can i be doing they eat the queens out of the cages but then kill them no queen cells when put in now they are making cell some have been capped over. I do not bother them for a week some died in the cages but why won't they they take them please need help.
Thomas :-x
Quote from: tom on April 02, 2012, 08:57:05 PM
Here is my problem made some nucs and added some virgin queens to them bees killed all the queens now this was the first batch. Now out of this batch only one lived and walking around not laying yet. I got a second batch this bunch was five and only two is living so far what can i be doing they eat the queens out of the cages but then kill them no queen cells when put in now they are making cell some have been capped over. I do not bother them for a week some died in the cages but why won't they they take them please need help.
Thomas :-x
Do you know if you got virgin queens or mated queens :?
BEE HAPPY Jim 134 :)
Quote from: tom on April 02, 2012, 08:57:05 PM
Here is my problem made some nucs and added some virgin queens to them
They were virgins no mated
Thomas
Virgins don't have the pheromones that mated queens have. First, I wouldn't purchase virgins. If I did, i would direct release them, not use a candy cage.
The best nucleus colony for mating a virgin queen is made up by brushing bees from three or more different colonies kept closed at a cool dark place for half a day. None of them feel themselves home, all are strangers, they are completely demoralized and the virgin can be simply dropped amongst them.
Thanks for the advice i wanted to try the direct release but was scared to so if i want them to take a virgin then get bees and brood from different hives and then release her got it. Now i had one to take and started laying then left with half the nuc should i keep young brood always in there so they won't leave will that keep the bees from going with her.
Thomas