Hi everyone. I just did my first trap-out from a tree. I did not have any brood to offer so I offered the bees new queen. After I sealed all I could see that would allow bees to go back to the tree they started exploring the box and everything looked okay. The next day I found out that they found a tiny hole to get back in the tree so I sealed it and sealed other possible ways they could get back inside. However, they managed to find another small crack in one of the tree branches about 4 feet away from the hive so I plugged that one also. Every time I restricted them to go back, they started to move in to my box and I could see some of the bees fanning out, what I suspect, the feramont that I hope tells me that the queen inside is alive. This queen had been caged on the 3rd and I am afraid that she may not be alive. Can anyone of you let me know hoe long a queen can be caged? Also, can you give me feedback on the fanning activity I saw previously? I would hate to get them out of the tree and set them up with the failure.
How long has the queen been caged? She needs attendants to feed and take care of her. I bet she might be toast.
She has been caged on the 3rd of this month. She had about 5 nurse bees with her. I received her on the 5th and set the trap the same day. I sprayed small amount of sugar water inside the cage but made sure I did not get any bees inside wet. There was a pretty good size sugar plug so I hope they had enough to eat. I hate to open the box now to take a look since I don't really want to disturb them from moving in. Anyway, as of today, she had been in the cage 6 days.
Open the box. It won't hurt anything. You need to know her condition. You may get there in time to feed her. Take a marshmallow with you.
Looking will not hurt anything. What you need to know is how to proceed and with out knowing the condition of the queen you can not. Will not take but a minute.
Well, I took the liberty to go ahead and take a look. The cage was covered with bees and she looked well. She was definitely getting a lot of attention. I hope she will gain the scent of the old hive since she is completely covered and by the time they get her out she will be accepted.
Just got to thinking (makes my head hurt so I try to avoid it), but just a quick question............did you pull the cork out of the candy end of the queen cage?
:-D That would be crazy but yes the cork was removed and there was actually one bee inside the hole eating the candy. I forgot to remove the cork once and that was the very first time I got package of bees. The poor girls were trapped inside and I had to rescue them out.